Marrying the Crown Prince

The days spent attending lectures at Shou Kang Palace were busy, because Zhou Zhou did not put aside other things just because he heard about them, nor could he.

After all, who could she entrust with the affairs of the Crown Prince's Palace? Li Ziyan?

If it were really handed back to Li Ziyan, everyone else would laugh their heads off.

Apart from this matter, Zhou Zhou never missed his morning and evening greetings on the first and fifteenth of each month.

Empress Chu did not know what Zhou Zhou did at Shou Kang Palace every day, but seeing that she had lost some weight due to exhaustion, she felt a deep sense of relief. Fortunately, the Empress Dowager had not tormented her back then. Look at her, poor thing, how come she has become so haggard in just one month?

When the other concubines saw Empress Chu looking at Zhou Zhou with a complicated expression, those who didn't know the situation might have thought that the Empress was envious and jealous that Zhou Zhou could go to Shou Kang Palace to pay her respects every day and thus cultivate a good relationship with the Empress Dowager.

Thinking this, Consort De chuckled. "No wonder the Crown Princess is so likable. Look, even the Empress Dowager adores her. She's been summoning her frequently lately."

what?

Empress Chu's eyes widened. How could someone be loved after being tortured like this?

Seeing that such instigation was effective, the Imperial Concubine also joined the fray, saying, "Yes, the Crown Princess is young and intelligent, so the Empress Dowager naturally likes her. Unlike us, we can't even see the Empress Dowager a few times a year."

Yes.

Empress Chu nodded in agreement. She herself only saw the Empress Dowager once a year, and every time she went to Shou Kang Palace, she dared not even breathe loudly. Now, the poor child had to go to Shou Kang Palace every day.

The heartbroken Empress Chu immediately said, "Good child, it's good that you're here. You keep your mother company every day, so she won't be too lonely."

If you're not here, the Empress Dowager will summon me to her side every day. What am I supposed to do?!

A question mark slowly appeared above the heads of Consort Gui and Consort De—why is the Empress's reaction different from what they expected?

Empress Chu had no idea what the two women were thinking, and even if she did, she wouldn't care. She continued, "Good children, you've become a little thinner these days while taking care of your mother."

Zhou Zhou touched her face, somewhat uncertain: Had she really lost weight?

"Ruofu, I remember receiving a few bolts of brocade a few days ago?" Empress Chu looked up at Ruofu.

Ruofu thought for a moment and nodded, saying, "Yes, there were originally only four, but the Emperor bestowed two more, so there are now a total of six in the storeroom."

"Hmm." Empress Chu nodded, then turned to Zhou Zhou and said, "This fabric would look best made into a horse-face skirt. Take three bolts and make yourself a new dress."

"Your Majesty's gift has brought me immense joy," Zhou Zhou said with a smile.

The Imperial Concubine gritted her teeth: How come the Empress is getting smarter and smarter? Who doesn't know that the Emperor has rewarded her again? She's actually showing off in secret, how despicable!

The unsuspecting Empress Chu was shot innocently.

After leaving Fengyi Palace, Zhou Zhou headed towards Shou Kang Palace.

Inside Shou Kang Palace, the Empress Dowager looked at Chang Zhu and said, "It's been so long since 9:00 AM, why hasn't that girl come yet?"

Could it be that she dared to be late because I've been much nicer to her lately?

"Your Majesty, today is the first day of the month." Changzhu's reply was nonsensical, but the Empress Dowager understood.

The Empress Dowager snorted, "I knew it was the first day of the month. She wanted to go to the Empress's place, and I didn't stop her or forbid her from going."

"The Empress Dowager is becoming more and more childish," Changzhu complained, placing the pastries on the table.

The Empress Dowager was displeased upon hearing this. "Is this what you call childish temper? Let me show you what real childishness is!"

"Why did you bring this over?" she asked, frowning.

Changzhu blinked, not quite understanding—wasn't this the Crown Princess's favorite? Hasn't the small kitchen in Shou Kang Palace been stocking it up these past few days?

"Why are you bringing this up like this? Has someone arrived?" The Empress Dowager pouted and waved her hand. "Take it away now!"

Why aren't you sending people to search for them right now?!

Having served the Empress Dowager for many years, Changzhu's relationship with her was no longer that of a typical master and servant, and he no longer spoke to her in such a formal manner. "Alright, alright, I'll take it down right away."

"Your temper is getting worse and worse," Changzhu muttered under her breath as she worked.

"So what?" The Empress Dowager glared at the old man—don't think I can't hear you just because you're speaking so softly.

"Nothing much, of course we'll wait for the Crown Princess to arrive and have her properly appease you, old man." Changzhu raised her smiling face and gave a perfunctory smile.

The Empress Dowager thought it made sense, so she said, "Alright, put the things here."

She still needs to coax me later, so these snacks can't be taken away.

Changzhu then took the plate off the tray.

"What is Grandmother saying? I heard it from far away. It sounds like she's talking about some kind of dessert." Zhou Zhou spoke before she even arrived.

She entered the hall, bowed, and said, "Granddaughter-in-law greets the Empress Dowager."

"Hmph," the Empress Dowager snorted, "Get up now."

"Yes." Zhou Zhou stood up and skillfully sat down at the small table next to the Empress Dowager.

She looked at the table and feigned surprise, "Oh, these snacks today are one of my favorites."

The Empress Dowager narrowed her eyes, a dangerous glint in them. "What? Wasn't that what you liked to eat a few days ago?"

"Grandmother, what are you saying? Anything here is something I love to eat," Zhou Zhou said coquettishly, while also flattering him.

Seeing that she was the same as usual, the Empress Dowager knew that Zhou Zhou had gone to Fengyi Palace to pay her respects today and that nothing major had happened, so she was relieved.

"You've arrived a little late today," the Empress Dowager said calmly. "I'm afraid you'll have to have your lunch here."

She was strict with her teaching. There was only so much for Zhou Zhou to see and learn every day, and she wouldn't relax her requirements just because Zhou Zhou was busy on some days. In any case, if Zhou Zhou didn't finish learning, she wouldn't let him go back.

Zhou Zhou smiled radiantly, "The food here is the best I've ever had. I'm so happy to have lunch here with you."

Her overly eager expression pleased the Empress Dowager even more.

"Changzhu," the Empress Dowager called over, "Today is the fifteenth. Go to Mingde Hall and tell Jinyou to come over for lunch; also send someone to the kitchen to add a few dishes that Jinyou likes."

Zhou Zhou quickly spoke up, "Granny, I'm here too."

The Empress Dowager gave a soft snort, looking quite displeased; but the smile in the corner of her eyes betrayed her truest feelings.

After a month, Zhou Zhou's reading speed had improved, so she finished her study tasks before lunch.

Li Ziyan arrived just as the Empress Dowager was reviewing Zhou Zhou's annotations written on rough-edged paper.

"My grandson sends his regards to the royal grandmother."

"Hmm, please sit down." The Empress Dowager pointed to the seat next to Zhou Zhou—the couple, a handsome man and a beautiful woman, should sit together; it would be more pleasing to the eye.