The Prince's Beloved Little Wife

After lunch, Ouyang Han and Chen Mengyao strolled hand-in-hand in the garden to digest their food. Ouyang Han seized the opportunity to say, "How about we go to the palace to see my mother? She learned of your existence from Father and has been urging me to bring you to see her." Chen Mengyao thought about it and decided they should go, so she nodded in agreement. She said she would go to the palace with him after breakfast the next day and bring some gifts for the ladies-in-waiting. She was secretly planning to open her skincare shop. Wouldn't it be perfect to have the Empress and the ladies-in-waiting try her products first? With them as her spokespeople, she was sure she'd have plenty of business.

Ouyang Han had no idea what she was thinking; he only knew that she had agreed to enter the palace. Overjoyed, he picked up Chen Mengyao and spun her around a few times before putting her down. Chen Mengyao was also happy to see Ouyang Han so happy, like a child. So she pulled Ouyang Han back to their room.

After she and Ouyang Han entered the room, she closed the door and locked it from the inside. She then took out many sets of skincare and cosmetic products from her spatial storage. She asked Ouyang Han, "How many concubines are there in the palace?" Ouyang Han counted them for her: "My father, the Emperor, had five princes and three princesses. I am the third son. The Empress gave birth to the Crown Prince and the eldest princess. Consort Li gave birth to the second prince and the second princess. Consort Lan gave birth to me. Consort De gave birth to the fourth prince. Consort Shu gave birth to the fifth prince and the youngest princess."

After hearing this, Chen Mengyao understood and began selecting skincare sets, underwear, and sanitary napkins suitable for each character's style in her space. She also planned to have the Empress and the others promote these women's products, and then set aside a special room in the department store to sell them.

In addition, gifts were prepared for Ouyang Han's brothers and sisters. For the Emperor, a solar-powered desk lamp, reading glasses, and wine were prepared. For the Crown Prince, a traditional Chinese version of the Zizhi Tongjian and books on governance and economics, such as the Fuguo Ce, were prepared. For Prince Wen, exquisite chess pieces, a guqin, and books of Tang and Song poetry, as well as various fine writing brushes, ink, paper, and inkstones were prepared. For Prince Duan, books on business were prepared. For Prince Xian, modern cold weapons, such as Tang swords, daggers, and longswords, were prepared. A solar-powered desk lamp was prepared for all the princes and princesses.

He prepared various skincare products, sanitary napkins, and underwear for the three princesses. He also prepared various chess pieces and playing cards, as well as some classical musical instruments and books on Tang and Song poetry for the eldest princess. He prepared some weapons such as daggers and whips for the second princess, and various delicious pastries and toys for the third princess. With a wave of his hand, all these things appeared in her room, almost filling it to the brim.

Deeply moved by her thoughtfulness, Ouyang Han hugged Chen Mengyao tightly and said, "Yaoyao, thank you for thinking so much about my family." Ouyang Han called Ling Feng and the others to prepare several boxes. Together, they packed everything separately according to the recipients and labeled the boxes. Because there were so many things, they didn't finish packing until dinner time, using a total of ten large boxes.

The next morning, the two ate breakfast early and drove several carriages, carrying carefully prepared gifts, to the palace. As soon as Chen Mengyao stepped into the palace, she felt a sense of oppressive yet luxurious atmosphere. Upon entering the Empress's chambers, she encountered other concubines speaking with the Empress. When paying her respects to the Empress, Chen Mengyao respectfully presented the gifts and said, "Your Majesty, these are skincare products that I purchased from overseas merchants. They have a beautifying and skin-nourishing effect, and I offer them to Your Majesty and all the ladies for them to try." The Empress curiously opened them, and the exquisite bottles and delicate fragrance delighted her.

Upon meeting the other concubines, they were all intrigued by the novel gift. Consort Li, in particular, was captivated by the exquisite face cream. Chen Mengyao explained the usage of various skincare and makeup products to them, and even had their personal maids demonstrate them on the spot. When the concubines saw how their maids had been transformed under her guidance—their skin becoming beautiful and moisturized, and the maids looking stunning after applying makeup—they were even more enamored with the skincare products, praising Chen Mengyao profusely and bestowing upon her many rewards.

Then she took out all sorts of underwear and sanitary napkins, teaching the ladies how to use them. When everyone saw these intimate items, they blushed with embarrassment. When they saw Chen Mengyao pour a glass of water into a sanitary napkin and see it quickly absorb the water, they were amazed. They all reached out to touch it and found it wasn't wet at all. Everyone was shocked and kept asking her where she got it, saying it was so useful; they were always afraid to move during their periods for fear of accidentally leaking and staining their clothes.

Chen Mengyao claimed she bought the products from a traveling merchant from a distant country, specifically for the ladies to try. She said she would open a shop selling these skincare and personal items later. Each lady eagerly anticipated the opening of her shop, asking her to inform them when it opened, as they also wanted their sisters and mothers to use such fine products. This trip to the palace not only earned her the ladies' praise but also a host of rewards.

After bidding farewell to the empresses, Chen Mengyao, led by Ouyang Han, went to the Imperial Study to find the Emperor. After the eunuch announced their arrival and received the Emperor's permission, they entered together with their gifts. Chen Mengyao greeted the Emperor and presented him with the gifts. The Emperor, seeing so many novel items, was very curious and quickly asked how to use them. Chen Mengyao demonstrated each one to him. The Emperor first picked up the solar-powered lamp, examined it for a moment, and then turned it on as Chen Mengyao had instructed. Instantly, a bright yet soft light illuminated the Imperial Study. The Emperor was delighted and said, "This lamp is truly marvelous. It requires no candles or oil, yet its light is so stable and long-lasting. It would be an excellent item for reviewing memorials at night."

Then, he put on his reading glasses. Instantly, the words before his eyes became crystal clear. The Emperor was overjoyed and laughed heartily, "As I grow older, I often find it difficult to read memorials; this thing is like a divine aid." He took off his glasses to examine them repeatedly, then put them back on, exclaiming repeatedly, "Such an exquisite object, truly a marvel of ingenuity! That distant country has such skilled craftsmen!"

The Emperor looked at Chen Mengyao, his eyes full of approval: "The items you brought are truly extraordinary; I am very satisfied. Since you said you wanted to open a shop to sell them, I will certainly support you. If you have any more novel and interesting items in the future, don't forget to send them to the palace again." Chen Mengyao quickly thanked the Emperor, secretly delighted, knowing that she had once again successfully won his favor. Ouyang Han was also very happy for Chen Mengyao.

Just then, a eunuch came to report that the Crown Prince and all the princes and princesses had arrived. They had all heard that Ouyang Han had brought a woman into the palace, and they wanted to see which woman had captured their younger brother's/third brother's heart. The Emperor summoned them all. When everyone entered and saw Chen Mengyao, they were all stunned. She was indeed a woman of unparalleled beauty.

Chen Mengyao wore a pale pink floor-length gown, embroidered with delicate butterflies playing among flowers. With every movement, the butterflies seemed poised to take flight. Her hair was styled in a cloud-like updo, with a few wisps falling naturally around her fair neck. Her arched eyebrows resembled crescent moons, and her eyes, like stars reflected in autumn water, were clear, bright, and lively, conveying endless emotions. Her delicate nose was perfectly shaped, and her naturally rosy lips curved slightly upward, revealing a perfectly balanced smile. Her skin was as white as snow, glowing softly in the candlelight of the palace, as smooth and delicate as mutton-fat jade. A small plum blossom ornament adorned her forehead, adding to her charming beauty. She wore few accessories, only a pair of white jade earrings swaying gracefully, occasionally brushing against her cheek like a gentle caress.

Everyone stared at her, speechless for a moment, feeling that all the beautiful words in the world combined could not describe her beauty at that moment. The Crown Prince was the first to recover, clearing his throat and breaking the silence, after which the others came to their senses. Chen Mengyao also took the opportunity to observe the princes.

Chen Mengyao looked up, first glancing at the Crown Prince. He wore a golden crown, adorned with several lustrous pearls, each radiating a soft glow, perfectly complementing his bright yellow brocade robe. Golden dragons were embroidered on the cuffs of his robe, their scales so lifelike they seemed ready to leap out at any moment. His eyebrows were sharp and his eyes bright and piercing, his gaze deep and majestic. His high nose and tightly pressed lips exuded royal nobility and an air of unassailable authority.

Next, let's look at the Second Prince, Prince Wen. He wore a lake-blue robe, with exquisite cloud patterns outlined in silver thread at the hem. His hair was tied up, with a white jade hairpin piercing through it, giving him a refined and gentle appearance. His face was handsome, with eyebrows like distant mountains, long and narrow eyes that seemed to hold a pool of clear spring water, slightly red lips, and a faint smile at the corners of his mouth.

Finally, all eyes fell on the Fourth Prince, Prince Duan. Prince Duan wore a dark, fitted outfit with a black cloak over it, revealing a dark red undergarment at the collar. He was tall and athletic, his black hair casually tied up, a few strands falling across his face. Beneath thick eyebrows were a pair of captivating eyes, slightly upturned at the corners, carrying a hint of untamed spirit. Below his high, straight nose was a slightly stubborn mouth; his entire being exuded a cold yet alluring charm.

Chen Mengyao also greeted the princes and princesses. She then instructed the guards and maids to present them with the gifts prepared for them. Except for the Fifth Prince, the Virtuous Prince, and the Second Princess, the Benevolent Princess, everyone else was overjoyed and had their personal eunuchs and guards carry the gifts over. Chen Mengyao recounted the gifts for everyone, then quietly pulled the eldest and youngest princesses aside to speak with them. She told them that their gifts included some personal items, which she would explain in detail when they visited the youngest princess's palace. Hearing about the personal items, both princesses nodded somewhat shyly.

While they went outside to talk, the other princes opened their chests and saw the gifts. They discovered the gifts were tailored to their preferences and positions, which made them even more fond of Chen Mengyao. They all thought their younger brother/third brother had excellent taste. They kept praising Chen Mengyao for her beauty, generosity, and thoughtfulness, noting how she could produce so many gifts to their liking. They also urged Ouyang Han to treat Chen Mengyao well. Even the Emperor was urging him to marry Chen Mengyao quickly, lest someone else snatch her away. Thus, the Crown Prince and the other princes were all pressuring Ouyang Han to get married soon, leaving him unsure how to respond.

Just then, Chen Mengyao and the two princesses returned. Ouyang Han quickly used the excuse of going to his mother's place to say goodbye to his father and brothers, grabbed Chen Mengyao, and ran off as if something was chasing them. Chen Mengyao was a little confused, but before she could ask, she was pulled away.

Ouyang Han only stopped when the Imperial Study was out of sight. Chen Mengyao then had time to ask him about what had happened in the Imperial Study. Ouyang Han told her everything, and Chen Mengyao couldn't help but burst into laughter. It turned out he had been pressured into marriage by the Emperor and his brothers. She only stopped laughing when she saw Ouyang Han's less-than-pleasant expression. Ouyang Han said somewhat aggrievedly, "Yaoyao, was what happened really that funny?" Chen Mengyao said, "I just found it a little funny that a dignified war god prince like you was so scared by his brothers pressuring him to get married. Don't be angry." Ouyang Han thought about it and realized it was indeed a bit funny, and immediately became a little embarrassed. Seeing Ouyang Han like this, Chen Mengyao found him particularly adorable, so she reached out and pinched his cheek, saying, "Okay, Yichen. You're so cute. I won't laugh at you anymore. Let's go see Mother Consort." With that, she took Ouyang Han's hand and walked forward.