The Prince's Beloved Little Wife

Consort Lan resides in the Begonia Palace. Chen Mengyao suddenly remembered Ouyang Han mentioning that her mother loved exotic flowers and rare herbs. So, she pulled Ouyang Han to a secluded spot and retrieved some flower seeds and planting instructions from her spatial storage. She planned to give them to the matron there later to arrange for people to plant them. She also took out a considerable amount of modern pastries, removed the packaging, and put them in a box.

After walking for about fifteen minutes, we arrived at the Begonia Palace. Stepping into the palace felt like entering a fantastical sea of ​​flowers. Exotic flowers and rare herbs were everywhere, some with blossoms as large as plates, shimmering with an unusual light; others had vines that meandered and climbed, their leaves displaying vibrant, multicolored hues. Several colorful butterflies fluttered among the flowers, like unique spirits of this palace.

Consort Lan had already heard of Chen Mengyao's arrival and was sitting gracefully in the pavilion, waiting. She wore a pale purple, floor-length gown, the hem embroidered with delicate begonia patterns, swaying gently in the breeze like a flowing sea of ​​flowers. Her black hair was piled high like clouds, adorned with a jade hairpin, a few strands falling beside her snow-white neck. Her face was like the most beautiful flower in spring, her eyes like stars reflected in a deep pool, clear and bright, with slightly upturned corners, exuding an indescribable charm. Her nose was delicate and straight, her lips naturally red, and her skin was flawless, glowing with a soft luster. Every gesture she made exuded elegance and nobility, and she emanated a subtle fragrance, mingling with the aromas of the surrounding exotic flowers and herbs, intoxicating and mesmerizing.

Chen Mengyao was secretly amazed by Consort Lan's beauty, thinking that it was no wonder she was so favored by the Emperor; even the Begonia Palace was maintained like a fairyland, showcasing Consort Lan's extraordinary temperament in every detail. After bowing, Chen Mengyao handed the booklet containing flower seeds and planting methods to the nanny beside her, whispering a few words of instruction. The nanny accepted the booklet with delight in her eyes, thanking her repeatedly.

Then, Chen Mengyao presented the box of pastries. Consort Lan sniffed them lightly and asked curiously, "What is this? The aroma is quite novel." Chen Mengyao smiled and explained that it was a special folk pastry. Consort Lan tasted a piece, her eyes filled with amazement, praising it highly. At this moment, a gentle breeze blew, the flowers and plants swayed gracefully, and the Begonia Palace was immersed in a peaceful and joyful atmosphere.

Chen Mengyao and Consort Lan chatted very congenially. Consort Lan even told her many funny stories about Ouyang Han's childhood, which made Chen Mengyao laugh out loud. Ouyang Han sat to the side like a ghost. Ever since his mother met Chen Mengyao, she had been chatting with her and completely ignored him. But he wasn't annoyed at all. It was a good thing that his mother liked Chen Mengyao, so he wouldn't have to worry about future mother-in-law and daughter-in-law issues.

Chen Mengyao kept asking about the names of the flowers and plants in Consort Lan's palace, as she genuinely didn't recognize many of them. Consort Lan carefully explained the variety and origin of each plant. When she learned that Ouyang Han had collected these plants from all over the country and even from other countries, she repeatedly praised Ouyang Han's filial piety to Consort Lan. Seeing how eloquent Chen Mengyao was, Consort Lan liked her even more and quickly had her personal maid bring a box from her room, handing it to Chen Mengyao as a gift for their first meeting. When Chen Mengyao opened it, she saw a very beautiful jade jewelry set. She felt it was a bit too valuable and was embarrassed to accept it. Consort Lan said, "Yao'er, please accept it. This was part of your mother's dowry, and I'm giving it to you as a small token of my appreciation. Thank you for taking a liking to my son, because he has always been averse to women, and I've always worried he might be gay. Consider this jewelry a thank you gift for taking care of him. Don't refuse anymore, or I'll get angry." With that, she shoved the box into Chen Mengyao's arms, and Chen Mengyao had no choice but to accept it.

Time flew by as they chatted, and before they knew it, it was lunchtime. Consort Lan warmly invited Chen Mengyao to stay for lunch. She kept telling Chen Mengyao how envious she was of the other concubines who had given birth to princesses, while she herself had been unable to conceive after giving birth to Ouyang Han. She said she loved the soft, sweet charm of princesses, because they would snuggle in their mothers' arms and be caring and attentive. She also kept complaining that Ouyang Han, aside from sending her flowers over the years, had rarely come to talk to her or eat with her. Therefore, she was always envious of the other concubines' princesses who frequently chatted and ate with their mothers.

Chen Mengyao kept speaking well of Ouyang Han: "Your Highness, the Prince is very filial to you, otherwise he wouldn't have sent people to find so many rare and exotic flowers and herbs for you. It must have been difficult for him to find these plants. He loves you very much, but as a man, he may not be very good at expressing his feelings. He often tells me how you raised him, and he is always very grateful to you for raising him so well." Hearing Chen Mengyao so protective of her son, Consort Lan was even more pleased with her. She tapped Chen Mengyao's forehead with her finger and said, "You, you always speak up for him. You haven't even married him yet, and you already think he's so good?" Ouyang Han, standing to the side, was naturally delighted to hear Chen Mengyao praising him like this.

Taking the opportunity, Chen Mengyao told Consort Lan everything that had happened with Ouyang Han during this time, including their time at the villa. She said, "Although I haven't known the Prince for long, I've deeply felt his care for me. You can rest assured and entrust him to me; I will take good care of him for you. As long as he doesn't let me down, I will never abandon him." Consort Lan nodded in satisfaction and, holding Chen Mengyao's hand, said, "Yao'er, then I'm entrusting him to you. Han'er sometimes doesn't understand women's feelings. If he does something wrong, I hope you will be forgiving. If you have any questions about him, you must ask him directly. Don't overthink things on your own. He's not good at communicating with women and doesn't know how to express his feelings. If you need anything, you must tell him promptly, otherwise he won't know what you want. The most important thing in a relationship is mutual understanding, tolerance, and communication."

Chen Mengyao nodded, agreeing to do as Consort Lan instructed. Consort Lan then said to Ouyang Han, "Han'er, you must treat Yao'er well and not let her be sad or upset. Otherwise, I will not forgive you. You are a man, you must be tolerant of everything she does and not lose your temper easily." Ouyang Han quickly replied, "Mother, I remember. I will always be good to Yao Yao. I will also bring her to the palace to see you often in the future." Consort Lan nodded in satisfaction upon hearing Ouyang Han's promise.

Soon, the nanny came to say that the meal was ready. Consort Lan then took Chen Mengyao's hand and led her inside. Upon entering the dining hall, the table was already laden with exquisite dishes. Consort Lan smiled and invited Chen Mengyao to sit down, saying, "Yao'er, this lunch was specially prepared for you by the imperial chefs." On the table was a jade-green soup, its clear broth rich in aroma, with tender green leaves floating like jade, and white tofu peeking through. Besides the soup, there was also an enticing honey-glazed char siu. The char siu was a captivating reddish-brown, its skin slightly crispy, with fat seeping into the meat's texture. Each piece was cut to a uniform size, and garnished with delicate radish flowers.

Then there's the Squirrel Mandarin Fish. Fried to a golden brown, the fish resembles a lively squirrel. The flesh is crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, drizzled with a carefully prepared sweet and sour sauce, releasing an instant burst of sweet and sour flavor. Next is the Crystal Shrimp Dumplings. The translucent dumpling skin encases plump, pink shrimp; you can almost see the shrimp's outline through the skin. One bite reveals the bouncy, smooth shrimp meat. Finally, there's a plate of cold seasonal vegetables. Fresh vegetables are cut into various shapes and sprinkled with glistening dewdrops—residue from just washing—mixed with a special sauce for a refreshing and delicious flavor.

Next to it was a dish of crystal shrimp, each plump shrimp translucent and glistening like crystal, emitting a subtle fresh aroma. There was also a plate of Hundred Flower Pastries, shaped like flowers, with layers of petals, as if real flowers were blooming on the plate. With each bite, the flaky pastry crumbled, revealing a sweet and delicious filling.

Looking at the table laden with delicious-looking dishes, Chen Mengyao was deeply moved. She bowed gracefully to Consort Lan and said, "Your Majesty's hospitality is truly overwhelming." Consort Lan gently helped her up and smiled, "Silly child, please try some."

Consort Lan personally picked up a piece of Hundred Flower Pastry and placed it in Chen Mengyao's bowl, saying, "This Hundred Flower Pastry is the most delicious; Yao'er, try it." Chen Mengyao thanked her and took a small bite, praising it highly. Afterwards, everyone began their meal, the dining hall filled with a warm and harmonious atmosphere, punctuated by occasional laughter. Ouyang Han occasionally served food to Chen Mengyao, his eyes full of doting affection. Consort Lan watched the interaction between the two, her smile deepening.

The meal brought Chen Mengyao and Consort Lan even closer, lasting for over an hour. After the meal, they sat in the hall drinking tea. Consort Lan took Chen Mengyao's hand and said gently, "Yao'er, I just got some fresh fruit and some newly made pastries from the Imperial Kitchen. Take them back and enjoy them slowly." With that, she ordered a palace maid to bring in the food box that had been prepared beforehand.

Chen Mengyao quickly declined, "Your Majesty, this is too much. You have already treated Mengyao so kindly today." Consort Lan feigned anger, "Does Yao'er find my things distasteful?" Chen Mengyao hurriedly shook her head, "Your Majesty, please don't misunderstand. It's just that this is too precious." "What's precious about it? It's just a small token of my affection. Your deep friendship with Han'er makes me happy too." Consort Lan smiled and placed the food box into Chen Mengyao's hands.

Just then, a young eunuch rushed over and whispered a few words in Consort Lan's ear. Consort Lan's expression changed slightly, and she looked at Chen Mengyao and said, "Yao'er, I have some matters to attend to, so I won't see you off any further."

Chen Mengyao bowed and took her leave, departing with Ouyang Han and the food box. On the way, she curiously opened the food box and saw that the pastries were exquisitely crafted and the fruits were plump and full. She couldn't help but like Consort Lan even more. She hadn't forgotten to go to the little princess's bedchamber to explain the use of sanitary napkins to her in person. So she asked Ouyang Han to take her to the little princess's bedchamber, and they headed towards Princess Yongle's Chang Le Palace.