The prince longs for me every night after mastering thought-reading
Chapter 227 - 226: You have a big appetite, afraid His Highness will do something foolish～

Chapter 227: Chapter 226: You have a big appetite, afraid His Highness will do something foolish～

Lady Shen was not a boisterous character, but having been subdued for far too long, she eagerly awaited the confirmed date for the establishment of the Crown Princess, and thus could hardly wait to let everyone know.

Among them was the most favored Shen Chuwei, even if His Highness dotes on you, what of it?

The position of Crown Princess is mine, and the child I bear will be the legitimate eldest son.

Shen Chuwei nodded, indicating that she understood.

Concubine Xu also nodded her understanding.

But she couldn’t help herself and blurted out a reminder, "There aren’t many days left until the fifteenth; Lady Shen will need to work hard to lose weight. Otherwise, the wedding dress will not fit nicely, especially since red makes one look fatter. With so many eyes on you then, tsk tsk, it won’t be a good look."

She said it on purpose, to infuriate you, you deserve it.

Hearing this, Shen Chuwei couldn’t help but laugh again; indeed, red can make one look plumper.

Lady Shen’s smile stiffened at the corners of her mouth. She had increased her weight following a trend and fell ill as a result. When she tried to lose weight, it proved very difficult, and after more than a month, she had only lost a little.

Whether she ate well or slept well these days, it was all because she had gained ten pounds.

It was the establishment of the Crown Princess that brought her back to life, and now Concubine Xu had announced it in public, which would anger anyone.

"Concubine Xu, I’m not one to criticize, but now that you’re a concubine, you should still mind your words a little, lest you hurt your tongue."

Concubine Xu raised her handkerchief to her mouth and laughed twice, "I’ve been this way since childhood, sharp-tongued indeed. Lady Shen, don’t take offense."

Lady Shen suppressed her irritation, knowing there would be chances for retribution later. For now, she let you prance around.

"I have nothing to take offense at. If your father didn’t teach you well, others will surely educate you in the future."

Having said that, Lady Shen turned to Shen Chuwei, stepping forward with a slight smile on her lips, "We are both sisters serving His Highness. Even though I will be the Crown Princess, we should grow closer, so we can serve His Highness better together, right?"

Shen Chuwei blinked her large eyes twice, "Lady Shen, serving His Highness together... that’s too much for my taste; I can’t do that."

Lady Shen was momentarily dumbfounded.

Concubine Xu giggled behind her hand, "Even serving together depends on whether His Highness is willing, right, Lady Shen?"

Lady Shen felt Shen Chuwei and Concubine Xu were humiliating her. Clenching her handkerchief tightly and tilting her chin up, she glanced at Concubine Xu, "Concubine Xu, the pot calling the kettle black. His Highness probably hasn’t even visited your Yixiang Hall, has he?"

Concubine Xu was furious upon hearing this. She hadn’t visited until now. It sounded like you had served His Highness in bed.

"Lady Shen, Concubine Xu, remember to watch the Grand Ceremony for the establishment of the Crown Princess."

Having said this, Lady Shen walked out of Hehuan Hall with her arrogant chin held high.

Concubine Xu stamped her foot in frustration, flinging her small handkerchief away, "What nonsense, she’s already putting on airs, and the day to establish the Crown Princess hasn’t even arrived."

Shen Chuwei settled back into her wicker chair and took a few sips of hot tea.

Chun Xi brought the prepared ice cream now. When Concubine Xu arrived earlier, with her irritating voice, Shen Chuwei could hear it all from the small kitchen, so she prepared a serving for Concubine Xu as well, to help her cool down.

"Miss, the ice cream is ready."

Chun Xi placed one bowl in front of Shen Chuwei and handed the other to Concubine Xu, "Concubine Xu, please enjoy the ice cream."

Concubine Xu had tried ice cream twice before. Upon seeing the ice cream, she pushed aside the irritations of a moment ago, taking the small bowl from Chun Xi and scooping up a spoonful of ice cream.

Shen Chuwei tasted a spoonful of ice cream; it was cool and sweet. They say sweet things make the mood better, and it wasn’t false at all.

Not only that, after eating the ice cream, Concubine Xu’s temper cooled down quite a bit too.

Xiao Jinyan, having finished his official duties for the day, saw Lu Zhaoyan and immediately grabbed him, "Is this what you call handling affairs?"

Lu Zhaoyan felt wronged and aggrieved, "No, Your Highness. I’ve already declined twice; any further could arouse suspicion."

Xiao Jinyan truly felt powerless. It reminded him of when he had just become the Crown Prince, barely having a say in anything, even lacking the right to choose his own maids.

To put it unpleasantly, he felt completely useless!

"Can’t whatever matter wait until I return?"

Lu Zhaoyan replied, "Your Highness, you’ll be gone for a month; how can I wait?"

Xiao Jinyan, his brow furrowed, took Lu Zhaoyan back to the East Palace.

"Liu Xi, prepare some food and drinks."

Liu Xi was quick to act. In no time, several dishes and two pots of wine were ready.

Lu Zhaoyan sat down cautiously at the dining table, aware that Xiao Jinyan was not in a good mood.

Indeed, Xiao Jinyan was in a foul mood with no outlet but to drink.

After downing three cups of wine, Xiao Jinyan suddenly asked, "Do you think there’s any chance of turning this situation around?"

Lu Zhaoyan, treading carefully, inquired, "Are you referring to stopping the Grand Ceremony for the establishment of the Crown Princess?"

Xiao Jinyan retorted with a question "What do you think?"

"I believe the position of Crown Prince was hard-won. Forcing a stop would only backfire," Lu Zhaoyan ventured, hinting that Xiao Jinyan should not rush, as destiny would have its course.

Xiao Jinyan drained his cup and abruptly stood up, striding away.

Lu Zhaoyan sat stunned for a moment, then hurried after him, "Your Highness, don’t do anything foolish!"

But he tripped over the threshold and tumbled forward.

"Ahhh!!!"

Weichi, passing by at the moment, saw someone flying towards him and quickly caught the person—it was Minister Lu. His quick actions spared Lu Zhaoyan a potentially painful fall.

"Thank you, Brother Weichi."

Weichi set him down, "Minister Lu, why do you walk like a child?"

Liu Xi entered from outside just in time to see Lu Zhaoyan nearly take a spill. He covered his eyes, too pained to watch.

Only when he knew all was well did he ask, "Minister Lu, what’s the rush?"

Lu Zhaoyan patted his chest, "I’m worried His Highness might do something rash."

Liu Xi pointed next door, "His Highness has gone to Hehuan Hall."

Lu Zhaoyan, looking next door, finally realized, "... I’ve overthought things."

*

Shen Chuwei finished her evening meal and took out her drawing board to continue the unfinished painting.

She had a leisurely disposition, often unable to complete a painting in one sitting, taking many days to finish a piece.

Her sketching teacher had once said, if you relied on painting to make a living, you would probably starve.

Shen Chuwei was noncommittal; luckily, she did not depend on painting for sustenance.

After the third session, the facial features of the figure were fully rendered; now it was time to draw the hair.

She crafted the portrait with a life-like precision, from the gaze to each eyelash vividly depicted.

Every strand of hair was defined, flowing elegantly as if real.

When Xiao Jinyan arrived, he saw Shen Chuwei at her desk, board in hand—it was clear she was drawing again.

He slowly approached, standing behind her, eyes settling on the drawing board. He hadn’t expected to see that painting again, yet there it was.