Volume 1, Chapter 37: The Crown Princess Protects Her Husband

In the Emerald Palace, the scent of sandalwood drifted through the air. Consort Liu reclined on a soft divan, her slender fingers stroking the Persian cat on her lap. A thoughtful smile graced her stunningly beautiful face.

"Your Majesty, I have heard about the events in the imperial court today," she said, her voice soft and alluring, every word seemingly hooked with hidden intent. "His Highness the Crown Prince is truly remarkable; with just a few words, he defused such a dangerous situation."

Li Chengye, busy reviewing memorials, did not look up. "Oh? Are you suggesting the Crown Prince has made progress?"

"The Crown Prince has certainly improved, but I cannot help but feel..." Consort Liu paused, a flicker of worry crossing her limpid, peach-blossom eyes. "Your Majesty, don't you think the Crown Prince has changed too rapidly?"

Li Chengye finally set down his vermilion brush and turned to look at her. This woman was always adept at reading the room, and her words were never spoken without purpose.

"What are you trying to say?"

Consort Liu rose and walked slowly to his side, kneading his shoulders. "Your Majesty, ever since that poem *Nian Nu Jiao* at the Lantern Festival, the Crown Prince seems like a different person. Not only is his literary talent exceptional, but his grasp of state affairs is also remarkably shrewd. I only wonder... could there be some master strategist advising him from the shadows?"

"A master strategist?" Li Chengye frowned. "Whom do you mean?"

"General Xiao, perhaps, or... the Crown Princess," Consort Liu whispered. "Think, Your Majesty: General Xiao has spent his life on the battlefield and understands the currents of the court as clearly as fire. And the Crown Princess is the daughter of a military family, well-versed in all the arts. If they were to join forces..."

She left the thought unfinished, but the implication was enough to stir deep suspicion. Li Chengye fell silent. As an emperor, his greatest fear was his subjects forming factions—even if that subject was his own son. The Xiao family was deeply rooted in the military; if the Crown Prince were truly allied with them...

"Your Majesty, I do not intend to sow discord between father and son," Consort Liu added quickly, sensing his hesitation. "I only believe that as a sovereign and a father, you must understand the true intentions of the Crown Prince and his wife. After all, the position of heir concerns the safety of the nation; one cannot afford to be careless."

Li Chengye nodded slowly. "You have a point. How do you suggest I test them?"

Consort Liu’s eyes shimmered with a seductive light as she chuckled, "That is simple. Your Majesty need only find a pretext to summon them to the palace. I have my own ways of making them reveal their true hearts."

"Very well," Li Chengye decided. "After tomorrow’s morning court, I shall summon them."

Outside the Emerald Palace, a young eunuch slipped away silently. In the dead of night, he appeared at a secluded mansion.

"Your Highness, it is done," the eunuch knelt, his voice trembling. "Consort Liu has successfully persuaded His Majesty. He will definitely summon the Crown Prince tomorrow to test him."

The Third Prince, Li Yi, set down his book on military strategy and offered a faint smile. "Well done. You may leave; the steward will provide your reward."

The eunuch thanked him profusely and withdrew. Li Yi walked to the window, gazing toward the palace, a cold sneer playing on his lips. *Oh, Crown Prince, do you think that resolving the First Prince’s attack means you are safe? The true test has only just begun.*

...

The following day, after the morning court, Li Xuan was preparing to leave the Taihe Hall when he was stopped by Head Eunuch Wang.

"Your Highness, His Majesty has decreed that you and the Crown Princess are to visit the Emerald Palace for a talk."

Li Xuan’s heart stirred, but his expression remained calm. "For what reason does Father summon us?"

Eunuch Wang smiled obsequiously. "This servant does not know, but it must be something positive. His Majesty was in good spirits earlier and even praised your handling of court affairs today."

Li Xuan nodded and turned to retrieve Xiao Ning-shuang.

On the way, Xiao Ning-shuang asked in a low voice, "Could there be some trap?"

"Most likely someone has been whispering in Father's ear," Li Xuan said, his expression grave. "Observe the situation as we go. Whatever happens, do not panic."

Xiao Ning-shuang nodded, her cold, elegant face showing the composure of a warrior before battle.

Inside the Emerald Palace, Li Chengye sat in the seat of honor, with Consort Liu standing at his side, brewing tea.

"This son greets Imperial Father."
"This daughter-in-law greets Imperial Father."

Li Xuan and Xiao Ning-shuang performed the rites with perfect decorum.

"Rise and be seated," Li Chengye said, his tone relatively mild. "You handled today's court session well. I am pleased."

"It is entirely due to Father’s daily teachings," Li Xuan replied respectfully.

Li Chengye nodded, took the tea cup from Consort Liu, and sipped it. "Xuan'er, what do you believe was the root cause of the incident in court today?"

Li Xuan pondered for a moment. "I believe the root lies in a lack of trust within the imperial family. The First Prince believed rumors because he did not understand my true intentions. And those rumors spread because someone deliberately orchestrated them."

"Then tell me, how should this be permanently resolved?"

It was a trap of a question. If Li Xuan suggested a harsh investigation, he would be accused of purging dissenters; if he spoke only of brotherly affection, he would seem naive.

Just as Li Xuan began to speak, Xiao Ning-shuang interjected, "Imperial Father, I believe that treating the symptoms is not as effective as addressing the root. Rather than remedy the situation after the fact, it is better to prevent it from the start."

Consort Liu frowned—how had this girl managed to interject?

Li Chengye became interested. "Oh? And what is the Crown Princess’s wise opinion?"

Xiao Ning-shuang rose gracefully and bowed. "Father, although I am but a woman, I understand that 'harmony in the family leads to prosperity in all things.' The imperial family is the foundation of the realm; if we are harmonious, the world is at peace. If we are divided, the world will be in turmoil."

"That makes sense. How, then, do you suggest we achieve this harmony?"

"Regular family banquets," Xiao Ning-shuang answered crisply. "Perhaps Father could host a banquet each month, where the princes bring their families. By interacting and communicating more often, it would be difficult for others to sow discord."

It was a brilliant suggestion—demonstrating her virtue without touching on sensitive political topics.

Li Chengye nodded repeatedly. "A good idea. Consort, what do you think?"

Consort Liu smiled, though her eyes remained cold. "The Crown Princess is indeed virtuous; the suggestion is excellent. However," she shifted the topic, "since the Crown Princess speaks of harmony, I must ask: do the Crown Prince and his wife plan to expand the royal lineage?"

The atmosphere turned subtle. A faint blush rose on Xiao Ning-shuang’s face, but she answered steadily, "In reply to Consort Liu, we are newly wed, and such matters depend on fate. However, I am already tending to my health, and I believe good news will come before long."

"That is well," Consort Liu’s eyes darted as she asked, "And you, Your Highness? Surely, for the heir, an heir of your own is the most important matter."

Li Xuan smiled indifferently. "I believe that while descendants are important, it is more vital to govern the country well. As the saying goes, 'Cultivate the self, regulate the family, govern the state, and bring peace to the world.' If I cannot even cultivate myself, how can I speak of other things?"

"Well said!" Li Chengye slapped the table. "That is the perspective a Crown Prince should have!"

Consort Liu gritted her teeth secretly. The couple was perfectly in sync, and every probe she made was neutralized. She decided to play her final card. "Your Highness, I have heard you are quite knowledgeable about military affairs. Might you offer some insight?"

Military affairs! It was a sensitive topic. If Li Xuan appeared too proficient, the Emperor might suspect ambition; if he appeared too ignorant, he would seem unqualified.

Li Xuan felt a jolt of alarm, but before he could answer, Xiao Ning-shuang spoke up again.

"Consort Liu is too kind," Xiao Ning-shuang smiled. "His Highness has indeed studied military strategy, but it is all theoretical knowledge from books. How could he dare to show off before Imperial Father?"

Her words were highly skillful—admitting he knew of military affairs while limiting it to "theory." It prevented anyone from looking down on him while avoiding suspicion.

Li Chengye laughed. "Reading military books is good; an heir should be well-learned."

Consort Liu refused to give up. "Then which military treatises have you read, Your Highness? What insights did you gain?"

This time, Li Xuan did not let Xiao Ning-shuang answer for him. "I have mainly read *The Art of War* and other classics. My greatest insight is that war is a grave matter for the state—a path to survival or destruction—and it must be approached with the utmost caution."

He paused, his voice turning solemn. "Father, I believe that while it is necessary for an heir to understand military affairs, one must never be obsessed with them. After all, the best military strategy is one that is never needed. If a problem can be solved through political means, one should never resort to the sword."

His words were righteous and grand, framing military knowledge as a mere necessity, which completely dissipated Consort Liu’s probe.

Li Chengye nodded with satisfaction. "Well said. My greatest fear is someone who loves glory and speaks of war at every turn. That you have such understanding brings me great comfort."

Seeing this, Consort Liu could only change her angle. "Your Highness, I have also heard that you hold the Xiao Family Army in high regard?"

This question was even sharper. The Xiao Family Army was his wife's father's personal force. If he showed too much closeness, it would be interpreted as soliciting military power.

Li Xuan pondered for a moment before speaking slowly. "Consort Liu jests. I hold respect for all soldiers who guard our borders—not just the Xiao Family Army, but also General Li’s Imperial Guards, General Wang’s navy, General Zhang’s Western Army, and General Shangguan’s Southern Army... they are all the pillars of our Great Zhou."

He cleverly placed the Xiao Family Army as just one among many, expressing respect while avoiding the appearance of bias. Beside him, Xiao Ning-shuang felt a growing admiration for Li Xuan’s wisdom.

Each of his answers was perfectly measured—neither humble nor arrogant—displaying the stature and restraint expected of a Crown Prince.

Li Chengye nodded frequently, clearly satisfied. Consort Liu, however, had failed to get the answers she wanted, and her face darkened.

"Father," Li Xuan said proactively, "it has been a great honor for us to visit the Emerald Palace today. But the hour is late, and Father has much to attend to, so we shall not disturb you further."

He was suggesting they take their leave. If they stayed longer, he didn't know what other tricks Consort Liu might have up her sleeve.

Li Chengye looked at the sky and nodded. "Very well, you may go. Remember what was said about the family banquet; let the Ministry of Rites arrange it."

"As you command, Father."

As they reached the door, Li Chengye suddenly called them back. "Wait."

They turned, hearts tightening. Li Chengye walked over and patted Li Xuan on the shoulder. "Xuan'er, I am very satisfied with your performance today. But remember: never forget that you are the heir to Great Zhou. Every word and action of yours concerns the future of the nation."

"This son will keep it in mind."

"And," Li Chengye turned to Xiao Ning-shuang, "Crown Princess, your performance today was also excellent. A virtuous wife should be just like this."

Xiao Ning-shuang bowed. "Thank you for the praise, Father. I will certainly assist His Highness with all my heart."

After leaving the Emerald Palace, they both sighed in relief. Walking back to the Eastern Palace, Li Xuan whispered, "Today, I owe much to you."

Xiao Ning-shuang rolled her eyes. "We are husband and wife; is this not as it should be?"

Li Xuan smiled—a look of warmth and gratitude. "Indeed, we are husband and wife."

Back in the Emerald Palace, Consort Liu was cleaning up the aftermath. Tea sets lay shattered on the floor, her beautiful face twisted in rage. "That couple is seamless! I put in so much effort, and I managed to test nothing!"

Li Chengye looked at the shards on the floor, his expression calm. "Why are you so angry, my love?"

"Your Majesty, are you not suspicious? Their performance was too perfect—too perfect to be true."

Li Chengye slowly shook his head. "Perfect? I find it quite authentic. Every answer Xuan'er gave came from the heart, and every addition the Crown Princess made was perfectly timed. This is not something that can be planned; it is true resonance of spirit."

He walked to the window, gazing toward the Eastern Palace in the night. "You are wrong. Today's test did not prove they have ambition; it proved they are a truly virtuous couple. For my heir to have such a partner is truly a blessing for Great Zhou."

Consort Liu froze. She had never expected that her meticulously planned test would lead the Emperor to trust them even more.

Li Chengye turned to look at her, a profound look in his eyes. "My love, do not do this again. I am capable of judging my own sons."

The words were soft, but Consort Liu heard the warning. She quickly knelt. "This concubine knows her fault."

"Rise," Li Chengye waved his hand. "I am tired; you should rest as well."

Consort Liu withdrew, filled with annoyance and resentment. She had lost this battle completely.

In a nearby mansion, the Third Prince, Li Yi, was listening to his subordinate's report.

"Your Highness, Consort Liu's test failed. Not only did His Majesty not doubt the Crown Prince, but he also trusts him even more."

Li Yi set down a chess piece and smiled faintly. "As expected. That woman is beautiful, but her methods are too crude. No matter. What does one failure matter? We have plenty of opportunities."

He stood up, walked to the chessboard, and picked up the black piece he had just placed. "This game has only just begun; the true climax is yet to come. Oh, Crown Prince, do you think passing Father's test means you are safe? Naive!"

He placed the black piece firmly on the center of the board with a crisp click.

"Next, it is time for a true master to enter the fray."