The Prince's Beloved Little Wife

Yongle Palace wasn't far from Consort Lan's Begonia Palace. Ouyang Han and Chen Mengyao arrived at Yongle Palace in about fifteen minutes, where the two princesses were already waiting in the main hall. They hadn't had a good look at the princesses in the Imperial Study, but now, upon closer inspection, they realized each princess possessed her own unique beauty. The elder princess, Ouyang Xue, was elegant and refined, while the younger princess, Ouyang Yao, was lively and spirited. The elder princess, Ouyang Xue, wore a floor-length, moon-white gown embroidered with delicate orchid patterns in silver thread, which shimmered and peeked out as she moved, like orchids blooming under the moonlight. Round pearls adorned the neckline, each full and radiating a soft luster. Her black hair, like clouds, was simply styled and adorned with a single jade hairpin, a few strands falling beside her ears, adding to her gentle grace. Her face was fair and delicate, her eyebrows and eyes like a clear spring, radiating gentleness and tranquility. Her lips were naturally red, and a faint smile played at the corners of her mouth.

Princess Ouyang Yao wore a peach-pink brocade short top and skirt, the hem flaring out in layers like lotus leaves, giving her a lively and playful look. The cuffs and hem were trimmed with gold thread, shimmering with her movements. Her long, glossy black hair was styled into two buns, tied with colorful ribbons that fluttered in the wind. Her eyes shone brightly like stars, full of spirit, and beneath her delicate nose was a cherry-like mouth that always wore a radiant smile. When she smiled, two deep dimples appeared on her cheeks, as captivating as blooming peach blossoms.

Chen Mengyao was momentarily stunned. The Emperor himself was quite handsome; no wonder his children were all so good-looking. Seeing Chen Mengyao staring at them in a daze, the young princess quickly went over and said, "Third sister-in-law, are you looking at us? Are we really that good-looking?" Chen Mengyao's thoughts were interrupted by this lively and adorable teasing voice. She immediately felt embarrassed and quickly said, "You are indeed very good-looking. All your brothers are very handsome. I was a little flustered for a moment; I'm so sorry." The eldest princess, Ouyang Xue, said, "It's alright; it's not the first time I've been praised." The eldest princess's voice was truly gentle and pleasant; Chen Mengyao once again marveled at the strength of their royal genes.

The eldest princess brought up the topic from the imperial study again, and Chen Mengyao then remembered the purpose of her visit. So she led the two princesses into the room, leaving Ouyang Han and the maids outside to wait.

Chen Mengyao took out underwear from the box and demonstrated how to wear it. She then took out a pack of sanitary napkins and told them that they were for use during menstruation. She then took one out and stuck it on her underwear, and poured a glass of water on the sanitary napkin. The water quickly seeped in. Chen Mengyao let the two princesses touch the sanitary napkin, and they were surprised to find that it was not wet at all.

The lively and adorable little princess spoke first: "Third sister-in-law, this sanitary napkin is amazing! When I have my period, I don't have to worry about staining my clothes. Third sister-in-law, can this be washed?" Chen Mengyao said, "No, it's disposable. You have to throw it away when it's full, and it's best to change it every hour, otherwise there will be bacteria, and you'll easily get gynecological diseases." The eldest princess touched the soft sanitary napkin and felt it was a bit of a waste to throw it away after use. Although she didn't understand what bacteria meant, she understood when she heard about getting diseases. Nothing is more important than health.

The little princess felt a bit sorry to hear that the items couldn't be washed and had to be changed every hour, but she was relieved to hear that not changing them could lead to illness. Seeing the two princesses' regretful expressions, Chen Mengyao quickly said, "Princesses, don't feel bad. I have plenty more. Just have someone come and get them when you're done. I'll be opening a shop selling these things later, and you can have your maids go out of the palace to buy them then." The two princesses were delighted to hear that a shop would be opening to sell these items and quickly pulled Chen Mengyao to sit down and chat.

The little princess looked at the gifts in her suitcase again, and seeing many unfamiliar things, she immediately asked Chen Mengyao about them. Chen Mengyao explained in detail how to eat the food and how to play with the toys. Hearing the explanation about the food and toys, Ouyang Yao jumped for joy, hugged Chen Mengyao tightly, and said, "Third Sister-in-law, you're such a good person. You know I love to eat and play, and you specially prepared so many delicious things for me. Third Brother is so lucky to have met such a kind person like you. If he bullies you, you must tell me, and I'll teach him a lesson." Hearing the little princess's innocent yet caring words, Chen Mengyao felt a warmth in her heart and was also infected by her smile. This little princess was so adorable; no wonder everyone doted on her so much. If she had such a cute little sister, she would definitely spoil her just as much.

Chen Mengyao quickly said, "Thank you, Princess Yongle. Your third brother is very good to me. He won't bully me. If he does, I'll tell you immediately so you can teach him a lesson." She then patted the little princess's head. Hearing Chen Mengyao call her "princess," the little princess quickly replied, "Third sister-in-law, we'll be family from now on, you don't need to call me princess. I also have a nickname, Lele, you can just call me Lele from now on."

Meanwhile, the eldest princess also looked at Ouyang Yao's gifts and found that they were all prepared according to her preferences. She grew even more fond of her future sister-in-law. Hearing Ouyang Yao's words, she added, "That's right, Yao'er, you can just call me 'elder sister' from now on, and just call her Lele. We're almost family, so there's no need to be so formal." She paused for a moment, then continued, "And the gift you gave me, I really like it. You're so thoughtful. My third brother is truly blessed to have met you. If he does anything to wrong you, remember to come to the princess's residence, and I will definitely avenge you."

Chen Mengyao was deeply moved to hear the eldest princess's concern for her and quickly said, "Thank you, sister. Your family is so kind. I've never felt the care of family before because I've been an orphan since I was little." Hearing that Chen Mengyao was an orphan, the two princesses felt even more sorry for her. They quickly said, "You can come visit us more often when you have time." They then took out their special tokens, which would grant them free passage to both the palace to see the youngest princess and the eldest princess's residence. Chen Mengyao was even more moved, and tears almost welled up in her eyes, but the eldest princess took out a handkerchief and wiped them away for her. "Don't cry. From now on, we will protect and care for you. You have family now." The eldest princess hugged Chen Mengyao and gently patted her back. The youngest princess also stepped forward and took Chen Mengyao's hand.

Chen Mengyao calmed down after a while and gradually stopped sobbing, then started chatting with the two princesses. They chatted happily in the room, completely forgetting that Ouyang Han was still sitting outside. It wasn't until a palace maid came in to remind them that Prince Jing was urging Chen Mengyao to go back that they realized they had left Ouyang Han waiting outside for so long.

Before Chen Mengyao left, the little princess took out many precious jewelry pieces, tonics, rare treasures, and some gold and silver notes from her private treasury and gave them to Chen Mengyao as a greeting gift. The eldest princess, since she was already married, had nothing to give her, so she took out a stack of silver notes and her jade bracelet and gave them to Chen Mengyao. Chen Mengyao couldn't refuse, so she accepted them and handed them to several maids to carry after leaving the room.

The little princess reluctantly saw Chen Mengyao off at the courtyard gate, saying, "Third sister-in-law, I'll come to visit you at my third brother's residence sometime, or you can bring your token to the palace to visit me." Chen Mengyao nodded quickly and said she would, adding that she would cook something delicious for her when she came to the palace. The two princesses didn't return until Ouyang Han and Chen Mengyao had walked away hand in hand.

Along the way, Ouyang Han said with a slightly aggrieved expression, "Yaoyao, what were you all chatting about so happily inside? Did you forget I was waiting for you outside?" Chen Mengyao found his behavior amusing. A prince like him had learned to be so affectionate; was this still the same stern and aloof prince everyone talked about? She quickly comforted Ouyang Han, "I'm sorry, it's my fault. I shouldn't have left you there. I was just teaching them how to use those women's products, and I got so engrossed in our conversation that I forgot about you. It won't happen again. Your family is so kind to me. Look at all the things I took earlier; they were all given to me by your older and younger sisters. I truly felt the warmth of home in your family. I'd always heard that there's no kinship in the royal family, and that everyone hurts each other. I never imagined your family was so united and loving; it's truly enviable."

Hearing that her sisters treated her well, Ouyang Han felt even more at ease. She knew her family would like her. Ouyang Han quickly said, "This is all thanks to my father's excellent upbringing. He never neglected our education because of his busy schedule with state affairs. From a young age, he taught us that our family must love and care for each other. He is fair and just to everyone, never favoring anyone, so none of us would harm another brother or sister out of jealousy." Chen Mengyao couldn't help but admire the current emperor even more. He was truly admirable, not only for his skillful governance but also for his success in educating his children. No wonder their country was so powerful; it was related to the harmonious relationship between the princes. Their mutual assistance had led to the current situation. Just look at how much revenue the Fourth Prince's business brought to their national treasury.

As they talked, the two had already left the palace gates and boarded a carriage to return to the Prince's residence. In the carriage, Chen Mengyao said to Ouyang Han, "My greatest gain today wasn't the reward, but the warmth of family. Your family has truly made me feel a warmth I've never felt before. I'm so grateful to heaven for letting me meet you here, and I will cherish you dearly." She then kissed Ouyang Han. This ignited Ouyang Han's fire. As if to punish her for ignoring him, he kissed Chen Mengyao's lips hard, but not enough to hurt her. Chen Mengyao was startled by the sudden kiss, her eyes widening. Ouyang Han noticed her surprise and slowly released her, a hint of teasing in his eyes: "What, scared already? Who told you to only talk about cherishing this place and not mention me?" Chen Mengyao's cheeks flushed, and she glared at him reproachfully: "Your Highness is so mean, teasing me like this."

The carriage swayed and wobbled along. Ouyang Han pulled Chen Mengyao into his arms and whispered, "I just want you to always remember that I always have a place in your heart." Chen Mengyao leaned against his chest and muttered softly, "Your Highness is so domineering." But the corners of her mouth couldn't help but turn up in a smile.

Before long, the carriage stopped in front of the Prince's mansion. Ouyang Han alighted first, then gentlemanly helped Chen Mengyao down. As soon as they stepped into the mansion, servants greeted them. Seeing the Prince and Miss Chen Mengyao's intimate interaction, they all discreetly lowered their heads and chuckled. Uncle An, in particular, couldn't stop smiling; it seemed the Prince's mansion was about to hold a wedding, and he needed to prepare early. Ouyang Han pulled Chen Mengyao straight to the inner courtyard, as if shutting out the rest of the world, wanting only to enjoy this sweet moment that belonged solely to the two of them.