After ensuring that the servant and her mistress had safely departed, Jingyuan turned to return to the Zhaohua Palace, only to be intercepted by a palace maid.
Back at Zhaohua Palace, he approached He Zhiyu and whispered a brief account of his encounter in his ear. He Zhiyu's expression shifted with surprise, clearly taken aback by Qiao Wanyan's unexpected display of thoughtfulness and consideration.
Countless women would relish the opportunity for such a "misunderstanding," he mused, a hint of disbelief in his eyes. Could it be that she truly no longer insists on marrying me?
Any lingering doubts he may have harbored were now dispelled. The "Floating Light Brocade" incident had served as a test, and Qiao Wanyan had passed with flying colors. It was now clear that she had genuinely relinquished her obsession.
That is fine too, he thought, a subtle sense of relief washing over him. If she behaves herself and remains within her bounds, I can certainly afford to be a caring brother-in-law to her.
Jingyuan subtly shifted to his left, turning his back to Qiao Yihuan and effectively blocking her line of sight. From within his sleeve, he produced a delicate, light pink purse and presented it to He Zhiyu, saying, "Your Highness, this is what the second Miss left behind."
He Zhiyu glanced at the offered item. The purse was exquisitely crafted and emanated a faint, soothing scent of sandalwood.
Qiao Wanyan is likely displeased due to my perceived favoritism, he reasoned internally. If I were to allow Yi Huan to return this to her, it might spark an argument between the sisters and cause Yi Huan to feel wronged.
He Zhiyu accepted the purse, resolving to return it to Qiao Wanyan himself at a later, more opportune moment.
(If Yanyan knew what he's thinking, she would definitely object vehemently, insisting that she would be delighted if her sister returned it to her. In that way, she could demonstrate her sincerity in relinquishing her pursuit of becoming Crown Princess and seize the opportunity to forge a closer bond with her sister.)
Today, He Zhiyu felt that he had gained a genuine understanding of Qiao Wanyan's character. She was, undoubtedly, a woman who was somewhat spoiled and willful, but fundamentally, she was not malicious or ill-intentioned.
He had heard tales of Minister Qiao and his wife's unwavering devotion to their second daughter, and it was, therefore, understandable that she had developed a somewhat spoiled and willful disposition. Now, witnessing her deliberate decision to depart in order to avoid fueling rumors and to prevent Yi Huan from feeling upset or overshadowed by her attire, he recognized her as a kind-hearted person at her core.
He Zhiyu shook his head slightly, a hint of self-reproach in his eyes. In the past, his understanding of Qiao Wanyan's personality had been gleaned from a maid who clearly lacked proper decorum and understanding of the situation. It was evident now that he had been overly concerned and, as a result, had made a misjudgment.
Across the room, He Yanli's well-defined fingers delicately caressed the stem of his wine cup. His gaze was fixed on the Crown Prince as he carefully tucked away the lotus-colored purse, his eyes filled with a dark and sinister intensity.
The style of that purse... it undoubtedly belongs to Qiao Wanyan, he thought, his mind racing.
Sending a purse, is she?
She is, without a doubt, a vain and power-hungry individual. It seems that she has been deliberately focusing the Crown Prince's attention on herself all these years, manipulating him with her charms.
She desires to become the Crown Princess, does she? Well, I will not allow her to have her way!
As the welcoming banquet drew to a close, the Crown Prince and Prince Jing made their way back into the palace as evening descended.
Prince Jing had been absent from the capital for five long years, and in celebration of his return, the Emperor hosted a grand family banquet. A rare and joyous atmosphere permeated the palace walls.
Inside the Kunning Palace, the Empress, resplendent in magnificent robes befitting her station, sat regally in the main hall. Her voice was firm and unwavering as she declared, "Even if you were to repeat it a million times, I will never consent to allowing a concubine's daughter to marry into the Eastern Palace as the Crown Prince's consort!"
The Empress's face was set in a grim expression, her brows furrowed in displeasure. The mere mention of the matter was enough to ignite her ire. "You are not oblivious to my precarious situation within the palace walls," she continued, her voice laced with barely suppressed anger. "As the legitimate son, you nearly lost your rightful place to the son of that wretched Consort Hui. Now, you propose to marry a woman who is hardly presentable as your principal wife. Are you deliberately attempting to jeopardize your own future and undermine my position?"