Leaving the Changmen Palace - LTCP 05: Mother-In-Law and Daughter-In-Law

Chen Jiao maintained a low profile while being a new crown princess for an entire year.

Being young, she and Liu Che received advice from Emperor Jing and Empress Wang regarding their intimate relationship, urging them to exercise moderation due to their young age and limited vitality. Despite living together, they didn’t share a bed frequently as Liu Che was preoccupied with his studies.

Chen Jiao allowed him to spend time with his friends and Han Yan, without imposing restrictions on their relationship.

While the empress dowager adored her without any effort, the empress held no fondness for her.

Living in the luxurious imperial palace with abundant food, the empress had lost favor with the emperor who indulged in entertainment and beautiful women. Although the crown prince was dutiful to his mother, he was still young and curious about the outside world.

The empress’ daughter was married and could not be by her side at all times. She entertained herself with jokes, songs, dances, and acrobatics in the palace, but often felt lonely.

Every day, Chen Jiao would start her morning by visiting the empress dowager, inquiring about her well-being, reading scriptures, sharing jokes, and playing the flute for her. Afterward, she would proceed to the Jiaofang Hall to serve lunch to the empress.

This daily routine was not typical of a crown princess like her. Despite having her own palace, rooms, and entertainers such as acrobats, shamans, and musicians dedicated to her happiness.

The empress frequently remarked, “The crown princess is so dutiful that people can’t help but feel sorry for her. She spends all day serving the elders, so when does she have time to rest?”

During these moments, the empress would have a slightly softer gaze towards her, and Liu Che’s expression would become a bit more self-satisfied.

Even though the Emperors of Han were known for their passionate and extravagant nature, most of them were extremely devoted to their mothers because filial piety was highly valued in that era. Chen Jiao indeed excelled in showing filial piety.

The only person who seemed unhappy about it was the grand princess.

“No matter what, you are still the crown princess. It is the duty of the palace servants and eunuchs to serve the empress during meals. It would be ridiculous if a noble lady like you were to compete with them for such tasks!”

She stood by the window, observing the sunset through the window frame, and then turned to look at Chen Jiao.

People claimed that her great-grandfather possessed a prominent nose and a face resembling a dragon, and the grand princess inherited the prestigious lineage of the Liu family.

With a high nose bridge and a majestic appearance, she exuded an air of authority, nobility, and arrogance despite attempting to dress modestly.

As she lifted her chin high, the sunlight illuminated half of her complexion, highlighting her regal presence. Her presence seemed more commanding than that of the empress dowager. In contrast to the gentle and graceful empress, she appeared to be the epitome of nobility, surpassing anyone else in the world.

“You are always dutiful, but you do not assert your power. This is not the manner of a crown princess,” she murmured gently. “A’ Jiao, you are my child.”

Chen Jiao suddenly regained her composure.

Although the grand princess had faced hardships in the past and had relied on Chen Jiao’s uncle and the empress dowager for support, being a member of the imperial Liu family, she could not truly grasp the challenges of being a daughter-in-law of the imperial family.

Why wasn’t Chen Jiao regal and authoritative?

“Once you marry into the imperial family, you become a woman of the Liu family,” she whispered softly.

The grand princess’ expression immediately turned sour.

“I will perform a flute melody for you,” she diverted the conversation. “Or should I play the ‘Lotus Emerging from Water’?”

Since a young age, she had her own ideas which often caused her to clash with her family. Had the grand princess not had only one daughter, the one suitable for Liu Che may not have been her.

The grand princess let out a sigh but refrained from saying much.

After years of being together, she finally realized that Chen Jiao’s personality was as unyielding as water. Despite her ability to adapt, she never lost her strength.

“You are truly unyielding!” She exclaimed as she watched Chen Jiao pick up a green jade flute.

A laugh bubbled up in Chen Jiao’s mind.

She glanced down and flashed a smile. Her delicate fingers, resembling spring onions, curled up, and her lush lips, like peach blossoms, formed a slight pout. The soft and melodious music drifted through the air.

…

A couple of days later, while Chen Jiao was presenting the empress her meal, she inquired with a grin, “I was told that the grand princess visited you two days ago and mentioned that our A’ Jiao was too kind-hearted?”

Chen Jiao’s actions momentarily stopped.

She smiled once more, and lifted a portion of roe deer meat for the empress, “Even though it has been fried, it’s not very salty. It’s subtle and pleasing. Your Majesty, please taste it.”

She poured another bowl of freshly filtered wine for her before returning to her initial position and softly remarking, “My mother has always had a fiery temper that will never change. ‘Those who obey me will thrive, while those who defy me will suffer.’ When she’s upset, she can be quite harsh, so Your Majesty doesn’t need to be as knowledgeable as her.”

The empress stifled a laugh, “Those who obey me will thrive, while those who defy me will suffer. That’s quite an intriguing saying.”

The female official next to her whispered, “That’s a quote from Liu Xiazhi in the ‘Zhuangzi.’”

The empress covered her mouth again and laughed quietly.

Chen Jiao also joined in the laughter.

“It’s because they think I’m too easygoing and lenient with the servants,” she murmured. “Even in my grandmother’s palace, didn’t they often discipline a few people? It seems I haven’t lost my temper since coming to the palace… My mother worries that I won’t be able to establish authority in front of the palace staff.”

The female official dared not speak further, lowering her head to focus on her skirt.

Chen Jiao once again turned around and grabbed a bowl of soup from the palace servants. Indeed, the palace servants could have served the empress better. However, it is universally understood that attitude is more crucial than the quality of service, regardless of whether one is serving or being served.

“It must run in the family! Like my great-grandfather.” She smiled gently, “During the battle for supremacy, he even scolded people from the Han camp to the Chu camp. The men of the Liu family are known for their fiery temper!”

The female official also mentioned, “Even His Majesty, when he was the crown prince, lost his temper during a game and flipped the chessboard, causing quite a commotion. It seems the grand princess has inherited her temper from His Majesty.”

“Isn’t Liu Che the same?” Empress Wang appeared oblivious to any problems, cheerfully mentioning, “He often goes out with that group of friends for entertainment, but when they get in trouble, he blames it on Marquess of Pingyang. My eldest daughter has complained to me multiple times about how this friend has damaged Marquess of Pingyang’s reputation.”

It is believed that fathers are strict and mothers are kind in the world, but in the palace, the empress is a kind mother, and the emperor is also a gentle father.

Chen Jiao gently pursed her lips, “The crown prince may have a temper, but thankfully, he never displays it in my presence.”

The empress made a noncommittal sound, “Enjoy that situation in moderation, don’t go overboard. Be cautious as well; when Liu Che turns sixteen, if the Crown Prince’s Palace remains neglected and desolate, it will not be appropriate.”

In uttering such words, it appears that there is still some intimacy in their relationship.

People’s hearts are made of flesh. The empress would not hesitate to offer a few words of advice after serving her carefully for a year.

Chen Jiao glanced at her and grinned.

The voice in her mind remarked, “What’s the point of flattering her? She’s actually harming you behind your back.”

Chen Jiao went back to her palace to have a meal, and it was only then that she quietly whispered to herself, “You truly take after your mother.”

After dinner, she invited Chu Fu to join her for a conversation.

“Have you had a meal in the palace yet?”

Chu Fu raised her head, her face showing signs of excitement as she gazed at her. Her prominent brows and eyes reflected her happiness.

“I have not dined in the palace yet. Since Your Highness has not eaten, no one else in the palace would dare to eat,” she responded.

While the palace inhabitants and the aristocracy enjoyed three lavish meals a day, the commoners considered themselves fortunate to have only two meals.

The crown princess, Chen Jiao, was accustomed to dining on at least forty dishes daily. Occasionally dining with Liu Che, she was overwhelmed with the presence of an array of exquisite dishes on the table, making it difficult for her to choose where to begin.

The numerous attendants in the Crown Prince’s Palace all wished to serve alongside the crown princess, and the small selection of delicacies had left a strong impression.

Chen Jiao smiled and gestured, “Remove it, you can share it.”

These thoughts were sparked by a casual comment from it, “One day in the future, if you desire honey syrup, there may not be any fresh good honey available.”

Chen Jiao had always lived a luxurious life and had never considered what it would be like to yearn for honey and not be able to find any. Reflecting on it in this way, being in the company of the empress and trying to gain her favor didn’t seem worth getting upset about.

She reclined against the pillow and pondered for hours, her chin resting in her hand, and soon enough, she found herself reminiscing about Liu Che’s return.

Upon Liu Che’s entrance into the hall, he noticed Chen Jiao lost in thought.

She was undeniably exquisite and attractive, a young wife of fifteen who was just beginning to explore the realm of love yet could never be content. Her charming traits naturally exuded a youthful and alluring presence.

It was the middle of summer, and she was attired quite simply. Her translucent skirt was slightly lifted, revealing a delicate undergarment, while her fair and smooth legs, resembling lotus roots, trembled faintly in the sunlight. Her dainty face, seemingly oblivious to his arrival, displayed a hint of vacancy and a touch of disinterest, akin to a mask fashioned from ice.

Liu Che purposefully cleared his throat.

Chen Jiao snapped out of her reverie, her eyes meeting his, and then, the ice beauty beamed sweetly, blossoming like a water-made flower in his gaze.

It was challenging for anyone to resist such a captivating sight, and Liu Che found himself unable to resist as well. His breaths grew heavier, and his desires appeared to awaken from within, flowing back to his thoughts from every part of his body. With just one look, this young crown prince was already consumed by fantasies.

Comparing Chen Jiao to the other Wuling youths and Bashang women nearby, she wasn’t the most beautiful but undeniably the most unique. He felt a sense of ownership over her, considering her as his wife, yet recognizing she was far from being a typical spouse.

Typical wives often indulge in jealousy and gossip. The seven grounds for divorce exists for a reason. Even though he didn’t have another wife, when his first and second sisters-in-law were together, they behaved like regular wives. They quarreled and complained about the Marquess of Pingyang and the Marquess of Nangong, but ultimately found happiness in their husband.

He struggles to believe that Chen Jiao would do such a thing! It is impossible for him to even imagine her complaining. How could she possibly complain? How could she possess such a worldly attitude? Even after a year of marriage, she still appears as exquisite as a flower in the sky. There is nothing about her that is bothersome; no matter how you observe her, you cannot find a single imperfection.

Liu Che experienced a mysterious and unexplainable feeling of uneasiness and excitement in his heart. He intentionally hastened his pace, causing Chen Jiao to emit even more soul-stirring and bone-chilling moans. Despite being married for a year, he has never been able to fully understand this crown princess, or rather his cousin, whom he has known since childhood.

Following their encounter, he eventually noticed the unusual silence from her. Despite her gentle and affectionate gestures, she remained quiet and avoided making eye contact.

“What’s the matter?” He lazily caressed her smooth back, allowing the palace servants to bring refreshing drinks and warm towels, “You’re not one to talk much, but it’s unusual to see you so quiet.”

She looked at him briefly, then turned her gaze to the palace servants bustling in the hall.

She remained composed and spoke softly, “I have no place to speak, and I dare not speak thoughtlessly.”

Liu Che was taken aback. It was the first time she had shown some liveliness, so naturally, he noticed.

Soon enough, he was informed about the situation unfolding in the Jiaofang Hall.

…

T/N

The “seven grounds of divorce” or the “seven-outs”—During Han times, men could divorce their wives on any of seven grounds, which included barrenness, jealousy, and talkativeness, but could do so only if there was a family for her to return to. There were no grounds on which a woman could divorce her husband, but divorce by mutual agreement was possible.