The Poisonous Concubine is alive

In this bustling ancient capital, with its blue bricks, red tiles, and towering ancient trees, Liu Yunrou, dressed in a simple, elegant silk dress, stood quietly in an exquisite courtyard. Before her, Ye Chenxuan, dressed in the garb of a prince, the gold embroidery on his lapels gleaming in the sunlight, highlighting his noble status. This was a world of complex rituals and strict hierarchies, yet their feelings had inadvertently transcended these boundaries.

Liu Yunrou looked around. The towering palace walls blocked out the clamor of the outside world, but they couldn't block her inner yearning for freedom. She had heard palace servants whisper that royal marriages were often a political game. And yet, she, a woman who had traveled through time and space, had met Ye Chenxuan here, a man who not only respected her but also truly loved her. This made her feel both lucky and incredible.

In this male-dominated era, women are often relegated to subordinate roles, yet Ye Chenxuan accords Liu Yunrou unprecedented respect. While he orchestrates strategies in the court, he is always gentle and attentive to her, carefully protecting her every emotion. Within the palace, their love is like a delicate orchid, unassuming yet captivating, intoxicatingly fragrant.

Liu Yunrou gently caressed the crabapple blossoms in the courtyard. The petals were as soft as silk, just like her feelings for Ye Chenxuan, delicate and deep. She knew that in this era, their love would not be smooth, but she was willing to walk side by side with Ye Chenxuan. Even if there were many palace gates and intricate court struggles ahead, she was willing to bravely move forward for this sincere love.

Deep within the magnificent imperial palace, court struggles lurked like venomous snakes, ready to bark their fangs at any moment. As a prince, Ye Chenxuan naturally became a key figure in this power game. His every move could become the focus of calculations by other princes and court officials.

Ye Chenxuan's brothers each had their own agenda. Some secretly befriended court officials, some plotted to win over the imperial guards, and some even resorted to subterfuge, attempting to discredit Ye Chenxuan in front of the emperor in an attempt to replace him. While Ye Chenxuan maintained a nonchalant demeanor on the surface, in reality, every smile and nod he made silently consolidated his position and thwarted the schemes of others.

Liu Yunrou's arrival inadvertently sparked a palace struggle. Her beauty and talent caused quite a stir within the palace, turning her into a pawn for some to use against Ye Chenxuan. At a banquet, Ye Chenxuan's rivals deliberately had Liu Yunrou demonstrate her talents in front of the crowd, attempting to make her a target of public criticism and thereby weaken Ye Chenxuan's power.

However, Ye Chenxuan had already seen through everything and quietly arranged a meticulous counterattack. At the banquet, he skillfully steered the conversation, turning Liu Yunrou's display of talent into a praise of imperial culture. This not only saved Liu Yunrou from embarrassment but also won the emperor's praise, leaving those scheming opponents with nothing to show for it.

Amidst this palace struggle, Ye Chenxuan and Liu Yunrou's relationship is put to the test. They must protect each other while carefully navigating pressure and traps from all sides. Ye Chenxuan's scheming nature is fully on display here, as he not only navigates his political enemies in court but also quietly orchestrates his forces behind the scenes to ensure his and Liu Yunrou's love can navigate the turbulent waters of the palace. Liu Yunrou, meanwhile, gradually matures in this process, learning how to protect herself within the palace and how to fight alongside Ye Chenxuan.

Within the palace, etiquette was the bond that maintained order and hierarchy, and every detail was crucial. Within the magnificent palace walls, Ye Chenxuan and Liu Yunrou constantly observed these complex etiquette.

Every morning, Ye Chenxuan would dress in court robes, a golden crown on his head, and a jade belt around his waist, strictly following court etiquette as he went to the imperial court to pay his respects to the emperor and listen to government affairs. Every step he took, every turn he made, strictly adhered to the pace and norms of the imperial court, not daring to slack off in the slightest. In the court, he must kneel as per protocol, answering the emperor's questions in a loud and respectful voice. Even when communicating with his brothers, he must maintain the dignity of a prince.

As a woman in the palace, Liu Yunrou's behavior was also strictly governed. She always moved with graceful steps, maintaining an elegant demeanor. When speaking with members of the royal family or higher-ranking ladies, she was required to lower her head and speak softly, always referring to herself as "slave" to demonstrate humility. At banquets, she was required to follow palace etiquette and sit at her designated seat. The use of tableware and the serving of food were strictly regulated; any deviation could lead to criticism.

In daily palace life, both Ye Chenxuan and Liu Yunrou were required to perform formal visits and greetings at specific times. During major festivals and celebrations, they would participate in even more elaborate rituals, demanding perfection in every aspect, from the attire to the execution of etiquette. Besides handling government affairs, Ye Chenxuan personally mentored Liu Yunrou in palace etiquette, ensuring she could handle various situations appropriately and avoid being reprimanded for any lapses in etiquette.

While these details of palace etiquette imposed considerable constraints on Ye Chenxuan and Liu Yunrou's lives, they also made them more cautious in protecting each other and their precious bond amidst the whirlpool of palace struggle. Within the framework of etiquette, every encounter and every eye contact between them was filled with deep affection and tacit understanding, becoming an integral part of their love.

After careful consideration, Ye Chenxuan decided to ask his father to marry Liu Yunrou, the third daughter of the Liu family, as the Crown Princess. That day, at dawn, he bathed and changed into the most solemn court attire, donning a golden-winged crown and a jade belt. He then walked steadily to the outside of his father's Hall of Mental Cultivation.

Outside the palace gate, Ye Chenxuan straightened his clothes and took a deep breath to calm his inner tension and excitement. He knelt on the cold stone steps and announced in a respectful yet firm voice, "Your son, Ye Chenxuan, requests to see your father. I have an important matter to report."

After receiving permission, Ye Chenxuan slowly stepped into the hall, knelt down again, and performed the ritual: "Your son pays homage to His Majesty, Father. May Your Majesty be in good health and may the nation prosper."

The emperor sat on the dragon throne, his gaze sharp as a torch, examining his calm son. He asked calmly, "Chenxuan, what's so important that you're taking it so seriously?"

Ye Chenxuan raised his head, his eyes firm, and said sincerely, "Father, I have been deeply taught since childhood and know that the position of Crown Prince carries great responsibilities, and marriage is a matter of great importance to the nation. I have long admired Liu Yunrou, the third daughter of the Liu family. She is virtuous, talented, and beautiful, making her the perfect choice for the Crown Princess. I beg Your Majesty to grant Liu Yunrou to me as Crown Princess, so that we can assist me and serve the country and the people together."

Upon hearing this, my father's eyes flashed with approval. After a moment of silence, he slowly spoke, "The Third Miss of the Liu Family is indeed virtuous, as I have heard. As the Crown Prince, I am very pleased that you are considering this for the sake of the country. This matter is of great importance, and I must discuss it with the Empress before making a decision."

Ye Chenxuan was delighted and kowtowed again: "Your Majesty, I thank you for your grace. I hope you will make a wise decision."

In this way, Ye Chenxuan expressed his deep affection for Liu Yunrou and his considerations for the future of the country to his father with the most respectful attitude, waiting for his father's final decision.