Leaving the Changmen Palace - LTCP 06: Hidden War

Another month or two went by, and the atmosphere in the Crown Prince’s Palace remained calm and peaceful.

That day, Chen Jiao uttered only one sentence, just a single sentence. Despite this, she continued to smile whenever she saw Liu Che, and she maintained her frequent visits to the Jiaofang Hall.

Not everything unfolds all at once, with reactions not always immediate. Everyone within the imperial palace is highly skilled at concealing their true intentions, with the art of secrecy being a fundamental lesson.

Even though Liu Che may be somewhat naive, he understands that conflicts between the imperial family members are not to be compared to those of common people—they are merely disagreements.

The ruling dynasty holds a strong emphasis on filial piety, with the emperor being revered as the epitome of a dutiful son. Naturally, Liu Che embodies the traits of a respectful and devoted grandson. He regularly visits the Changle Palace to pay his respects and engage in discussions with the empress dowager.

Despite any minor tensions within the Crown Prince’s Palace, the empress dowager continues to show him immense kindness, seemingly unaware of any underlying issues.

However, a conversation happened in the Jiaofang Hall by chance.

“It’s just a few words of caution,” remarked by Empress Wang, not taking it seriously. “Jiaojiao is very gentle, but your aunt has been too cunning in recent years, and sometimes she lacks the ability to know when to push forward or retreat. Now she can control herself. This will prevent greater unhappiness in the future.”

Liu Che was born from her womb. If he could be turned against her because of a few words from Chen Jiao, she would be negligent as a mother.

“There is no need to beat around the bush.” As mother and son, there was no need for secrecy, so Liu Che spoke straightforwardly, “You have witnessed the character of the crown princess over the past year. She has not wronged anyone. Are you treating her as a daughter-in-law or as a niece? It’s not surprising that Jiaojiao feels unfairly treated when you are so demanding.”

The smile on the empress’ face dimmed slightly.

He was married for less than a year and had not heard any noise. She had been reasonable in his marital relations. Has his heart already leaned towards the crown princess?

No matter how noble the grand princess may be, she is still a subject. She expresses opinions on imperial family matters. Depending on the favor of the empress dowager, she does not take the empress seriously.

It is uncomfortable for the empress to directly face the criticism, so she indirectly hints at starting from the crown princess. This is a warning and a consideration. Otherwise, both sides may lose face if things go wrong.

In the past, Liu Che would never have failed to understand the intention behind this arrangement, and although he still understood it now, he no longer agreed with this approach.

He and the crown princess were husband and wife, and with some intimate conversations, the child’s emotions were unintentionally influenced.

The empress turned her head away, appearing slightly displeased, and ignored her son.

Liu Che was aware of his mother’s anger, so he decided to hold back his words and remained silent.

Upon returning to Chen Jiao, he chose not to mention the small argument that occurred in the Jiaofang Hall.

She, unaware of the situation, continued to be caring and understanding towards him.

“You’re always playing outside, getting your clothes dirty.” As she bit off the thread in her hand, she squatted down to inspect his foot, “You’ve grown so much. When we got married, you were only slightly taller than me, but now… even your feet have grown.”

Prior to getting married, the crown prince received the best care in terms of food, clothing, and daily life. However, after marriage, he learned the importance of being considerate.

His socks and shoes may not perfectly match the size of his feet. Without speaking up, no one knows the exact size of his feet. Chen Jiao took the initiative to make new socks for him silently. Even though the craftsmanship was simple, the thought behind it was priceless.

With a smile, he embraced her, “It’s late now, let’s not work on the needlework, we should sit down and chat instead.”

While talking, he leaned his head on her shoulder and took a deep breath, “I won’t go to the palace tomorrow. I’ll return to you right after class.”

“What’s so special about being with me? Why not accompany me to Changle Palace to see grandmother?” Chen Jiao couldn’t help but chuckle, “Your Highness, it tickles.”

She was usually reserved, even when she laughed or scolded, there was a hint of aloofness. Only this laugh, brought out by a silly joke, was clear and abrupt, like the sound of a shattered vase, echoing through the hot and quiet afternoon, capturing the liveliness that she should have at her young age.

They were both taken aback by the laughter, with even her expressing surprise. After a moment of silence, she glanced at him and laughed once more. Additionally, she leaned her head on his shoulder without hesitation.

“Where did you disappear to this time? Did you go to Shanglin Garden for a hunt?” Her tone sounded much more gentle than usual, “Were you with those individuals again? Hopefully, you didn’t find yourself surrounded by a crowd like last time. If uncle discovers this, he will surely reprimand you.”

Liu Che scoffed, “How could he dare to punish me? He wouldn’t even want to. If he decides to punish me, I would gladly accept it.”

Previously, he caused such a commotion that it caught the emperor’s attention. Despite the emperor’s disciplinary action of reciting numerous texts, he was ultimately gifted with valuable horses from Dayuan. The news spread throughout the imperial palace.

Chen Jiao couldn’t contain her laughter, “Uncle is spoiling you too much. If grandmother discovers this, you’ll be in trouble.”

She looked up at him, her voice catching in her throat abruptly.

While Liu Che held onto her, his gaze was fixated on the young palace servant cleaning the doors and windows outside.

Chen Jiao followed his line of sight and glanced over.

Even she had to acknowledge the palace servant’s slender figure, slim waist, and graceful demeanor as she worked. She was a captivating young woman, evident from the swaying of her waist and hips.

A voice in her mind sneered with a desolate and shrill laughter.

Chen Jiao’s eyelashes quivered slightly as she looked down, maintaining a calm tone while speaking, “Last time you impersonated your brother-in-law. Grandmother warned me in private that if it happened again, I should inform her for punishment.”

…

A few days later, the grand princess visited the imperial palace again to show her respect to the empress dowager. As the empress dowager grew older, she longed for her children even more.

The emperor, occupied with matters of the state, was unable to be by her side at all times. This duty of accompanying her fell to the grand princess, who spent most of her time in the Changle Palace. If a day passed without seeing her, the empress dowager would remark, “My daughter has grown up and doesn’t visit me anymore.”

During the beautiful autumn season, the emperor simply set up a table and everyone took turns serving the empress dowager as they enjoyed the autumn breeze.

Although originally musicians were to be called, the empress dowager insisted, “No need, we can always listen to stories and songs. It’s nice to sit together as a family and chat.”

The empress smiled and suggested, “How about the crown princess sharing a joke with the empress dowager?”

Chen Jiao shared two jokes, and the empress dowager showed great support by laughing happily and enjoying more venison. The emperor observed Chen Jiao’s expression and also expressed his appreciation.

He commended her to the grand princess, “The crown princess is quiet and virtuous, considerate and well-mannered. Elder sister has taught her well.”

The grand princess glanced at her daughter and immediately declined the praise, “Not at all, it’s just that her in-laws are understanding. She has been pampered since childhood, and she actually has quite a temper.”

Liu Che smiled and gazed at Chen Jiao, seemingly teasing her about her temperament.

The family enjoyed a happy and harmonious atmosphere, and the joy of being together was beyond words.

The empress dowager smiled and stated seriously, “I am not joking. Two days ago, the empress spoke highly of the crown princess to the female officials, describing her as a remarkable woman who will skillfully oversee the imperial harem with kindness and justice in the future.”

The empress’ expression subtly stiffened.

Chen Jiao felt a sudden surge of emotions and glanced at the empress dowager.

She was visually impaired in both eyes and had a slightly yellow complexion, but she appeared well-groomed and maintained her kind and gentle appearance.

She closed her eyes and smiled warmly towards the empress.

The empress also had a mother-in-law who, if she could criticize Chen Jiao, the empress dowager could criticize her even more harshly. She was skilled at placing her own allies near the Crown Prince’s Palace, so it was inevitable that the empress dowager would have spies within the Jiaofang Hall.

The empress’ cautions were considered less significant when compared to those of the empress dowager, showing her impatience.

The emperor appeared oblivious to the implied message in his mother’s words.

He cautioned the crown prince, advising him to spend time with his wife instead of aimlessly wandering outside all day, solely focused on hunting. He permitted him to go out to observe the people’s sentiments and way of living, not to misbehave.

Furthermore, he inquired, “I have heard that your friend Han Yan is quite audacious and frequently influences you to indulge in eating, drinking, and revelry?”

Liu Che was taken aback.

Most of the youth exhibit impatience, fear, and guilt when confronted by their parents. Despite the Han Dynasty’s history of favoring flatterers since the time of Emperor Gaozu, the emperor’s preference for Zhou Wenren did not indicate tolerance towards Han Yan.

Liu Che hesitated momentarily, struggling to provide a suitable response.

Chen Jiao subtly pursed her lips and grinned slightly.

“Uncle,” she remarked, glancing at Liu Che. “Who among his peers doesn’t entice him to engage in hunting and visit the detached palace for enjoyment? This isn’t exclusive to Han Yan.”

She appeared to be exaggerating, but she was actually exploiting the loophole in the law that does not hold the general public accountable.

The companions of the crown prince were mainly offspring of the wealthy and influential individuals. Not even the emperor could discipline all of them simultaneously.

Liu Che took a deep breath, then exhaled slowly. He glanced at Chen Jiao, who ignored him intentionally.

The emperor chuckled and playfully scolded him, “Young man, the crown princess is a virtuous woman, you should settle down. It has been a year since your marriage, yet you are always busy. When will you bless me with a grandchild?”

During the meal, everyone was focused on something else.

The empress went back to the Jiaofang Hall and silently reviewed the names of the palace servants, deliberating over each one.

Unsure of who the empress dowager’s informant was, she scrutinized them all carefully. Frustrated and infuriated, she couldn’t resist criticizing and subsequently ordered some of the servants to be punished. A young eunuch was promptly taken away.

The grand princess accompanied her daughter as they returned to the Crown Prince’s Palace, “Your uncle is concerned and he is pressing you for a decision. You should not underestimate the situation. If anyone tries to gain your favor during this time, you should be cautious…”

Being a mother, she couldn’t help but nag, even though she wasn’t particularly close to her daughter.

Chen Jiao and the voice in her head let out a collective sigh.

The latter expressed profound melancholy and complexity, while her sigh was filled with emotions and a touch of resignation.

“Mother,” she spoke softly. “I have a plan, please don’t worry about me.”

The emperor decided to leave the crown prince alone in the private chamber as a way to educate him.

Upon returning to the Crown Prince’s Palace, he spoke briefly with the grand princess, his expression displaying signs of frustration. Witnessing this, the grand princess understood and, after a nod from her daughter, made a swift departure.

As soon as she departed, Liu Che angrily overturned a small table and summoned the steward of the Crown Prince’s Palace, instructing him to gather everyone in the palace.

The steward, visibly frightened, quickly agreed and hurriedly assembled a group of individuals to witness the crown prince’s explosive rant beneath the steps.

Liu Che unleashed a torrent of curses, targeting everything from animals to slaves.

Once he had finished venting his anger, he sternly declared, “If I discover who is spreading rumors in the future, I will personally discipline them! Are you loyal to me, the emperor, or the empress? The disloyal gossiper deserves severe punishment! If anyone knows the culprit, inform me discreetly, and a reward will be given.”

Chen Jiao had been observing silently, but now she finally spoke up, “Stay calm. If you let your anger show, people will think you’re careless again.”

He walked in, still furious, “What a joke. A group of two-faced traitors dare to complain about me to my father?”

He also warned her, “You need to be cautious too! You know the type of people around us. If your private conversations are leaked, it will harm our reputation.”

Chen Jiao quieted down and looked at him, who seemed unsettled by her gaze.

He tried to reassure her, “My anger isn’t because of you!”

He had always been accepting of his occasional outbursts of anger and was willing to humble himself.

The voice in her mind chuckled, “You’re really adept at this.”

Chen Jiao felt the urge to laugh, but she held back, gently pushing him away and asking with a hint of grievance, “Are you upset for me or for Han Yan?”

Liu Che was unable to respond, feeling both remorseful and somewhat thrilled.

It was the first time she had uttered such bitter words, revealing her jealousy.