The Prince's Beloved Little Wife

The next day, after having breakfast, Chen Mengyao took out the training methods for special forces and the materials on manufacturing guns and bombs that she had prepared the night before from her spatial storage. She went to find the steward, Uncle An, and instructed him to come directly to her courtyard when the prince returned, and to prepare a carriage for her trip to the princess's residence. Uncle An nodded to indicate that he understood.

Chen Mengyao took out all the gifts she had prepared for the eldest princess and instructed the maids to have the guards load them onto the carriage. While she was directing the servants, Ouyang Han returned. Chen Mengyao pulled Ouyang Han into the room and also called Ling Qi over, giving him some information on manufacturing guns and bombs. She instructed him to keep the information a secret and not let anyone see it. Ling Qi nodded in understanding. Upon looking at the information, Ling Qi was immediately stunned. It not only listed the necessary materials but also included pictures, everything clearly outlined, making the operation immediately understandable. Ling Qi said he would study it as soon as possible and then withdrew.

After instructing Ling Qi, she then told Ouyang Han to find reliable people to assist Ling Qi in researching these weapons. Immediately afterwards, Chen Mengyao handed Ouyang Han a large stack of materials on special forces training methods and the manufacture of firearms, instructing him to find a secluded location to train the special forces and manufacture the weapons. Ouyang Han indicated he understood. After giving these instructions, Ouyang Han took her to the princess's residence in a carriage. Upon arrival, Ouyang Han asked the guards to help him unload the gifts, saying he needed to go to the East Palace to discuss matters with the Crown Prince and would return later to pick her up.

When the servants of the Princess's residence saw Prince Jing accompanying a woman, they quickly came forward to pay their respects. Some went inside to inform the steward, while others helped them carry their belongings inside. Soon, the steward came out and led Chen Mengyao inside. Only after seeing Chen Mengyao enter did Ouyang Han instruct the coachman to drive the carriage towards the East Palace.

Chen Mengyao followed the steward into the princess's residence. Upon entering, she was immediately enveloped in an air of elegance. The courtyard was filled with blooming flowers, arranged in a pleasing yet orderly fashion, clearly the result of meticulous care. Numerous paintings hung along the corridors, all works by renowned contemporary artists, their brushstrokes and ink revealing a refined and sophisticated style.

Further on, the melodious sound of a zither could be heard. The steward smiled and said, "That must be our princess playing the zither. Her princess is a highly skilled musician and plays every day." Entering the inner hall, one could see Ouyang Xue sitting gracefully before the zither, her ten fingers moving nimbly like butterflies, producing beautiful sounds as the strings vibrated. Around her were various antiques and precious objects, as well as a chessboard and chess pieces that radiated a warm luster. The writing brush, ink, paper, and inkstone on the desk beside her were also of the finest quality.

Ouyang Xue looked up and saw Chen Mengyao, gently stopping what she was doing and rising to greet her. She pulled her to sit down and ordered the servants to make tea and bring snacks. "Sister-in-law, you've finally arrived! I've been waiting for you for so long," she said, her voice soft and melodious, like the song of a nightingale. Chen Mengyao smiled and curtsied, saying, "I've long heard of your renowned talent, sister, and hearing your music today confirms the rumors are true. I've brought you many gifts today." She gestured for the servants to present the gifts and introduced them to Chen Mengyao, explaining how to use them.

Ouyang Xue was eager to use the amazing toiletries she had, and the portable paper and pens were incredibly convenient for her and her husband. Holding Chen Mengyao's hand, she said, "Sister-in-law, you're too kind. These gifts are so useful." When Chen Mengyao took out a box containing a sparkling diamond necklace, she said to Ouyang Xue, "Sister, this is a diamond necklace for you." Ouyang Xue's eyes lit up, her gentle and graceful face instantly filled with surprise and joy. She slightly parted her red lips, as if wanting to exclaim in amazement, but fearing she would lose her composure, she simply took a deep breath.

She stretched out her slender fingers and carefully touched the diamond necklace, as if caressing a priceless treasure. After a long while, she softly exclaimed, "This is crystal clear, its brilliance like stars fallen to earth. So exquisite and magnificent, truly a rare gem." Her gaze was fixed on the necklace, her eyes filled with delight. "Sister-in-law, this is the most unique piece of jewelry I've ever seen. Look at the cut of each diamond, it's simply masterful. Wearing it, I'm sure you'd be radiant." As she spoke, she couldn't help but pick up the necklace and hold it up to her neck in the mirror beside her, her face beaming with uncontainable joy.

Seeing her delighted expression, Chen Mengyao was also pleased. No woman could resist the allure of a diamond necklace. She decided to give one to both the Princess Consort and the little princess next time; she couldn't show favoritism. Next, she introduced the toys Ouyang Xue had brought, asking the princess to bring the children over and teach them to play. Ouyang Xue then had her servants bring the children over. The children politely bowed to Chen Mengyao, saying, "Hello, sister." Chen Mengyao smiled and said to them, "I'm not your sister, I'm your third aunt. You should call me third aunt." The children then changed their address to, "Hello, third aunt."

Chen Mengyao was very fond of the children because they were so well-behaved and sensible. She patted their heads and said, "Today, your aunt has brought you some fun toys." She then introduced the names of the toys and how to play with them to the children. The children were very happy to see so many fun toys. After learning how to play with them, they took them aside and played with them.

Seeing the children's innocent smiles, Chen Mengyao felt happy and said to Ouyang Xue, "Sister, your children are so cute and polite. You've raised them so well." Ouyang Xue immediately teased, "If you're envious, marry Han'er soon and have two of your own." Chen Mengyao blushed at Ouyang Xue's teasing and whispered, "We've already decided to get married on the third day of next month." Ouyang Xue was also very happy and said, "Congratulations! I'll definitely give you a big gift then." "Thank you in advance, sister," Chen Mengyao said.

Then Ouyang Xue asked about her space, saying that her husband had told her sister-in-law's space was very magical, and she wanted to see it too. Chen Mengyao said, "No problem, next time you bring your sister, your two sisters-in-law, and your fourth sister-in-law to the Jing Prince's Mansion, and I'll take you all in to see it."

Then Chen Mengyao took out the chess pieces and explained how to play them to Ouyang Xue one by one. They played together, several times for each piece and several times for cards, until Ouyang Xue learned how to play. Ouyang Xue found these chess and card games very interesting and perfect for passing the time when she had nothing to do. Ouyang Xue happily hugged Chen Mengyao and said, "These gifts of yours are so useful. I can find someone to play with when I'm bored."

The two chatted and played cards until lunchtime. Ouyang Xue happily took Chen Mengyao's hand and they went to eat. Since the驸马 (the驸马) had gone to the East Palace to discuss matters with the Crown Prince and others, only she, Chen Mengyao, and a few children were eating at the residence. The food was plentiful and delicious. Although it was just the adults and the two of them eating together, they were very happy chatting and eating.

After they finished eating, Ouyang Xue led Chen Mengyao into her picturesque backyard, which resembled a tranquil and mysterious painting.

When Chen Mengyao followed Ouyang Xue into the backyard, the first thing that caught her eye was a garden that looked like it had been meticulously carved. It was so beautiful that it was intoxicating. She was so attracted by the scenery that she couldn't take her eyes off it. It was the most beautiful of all the mansions she had ever visited.

The garden boasts a diverse array of flowers, including tulips, hyacinths, and lilies, each vying for attention and releasing its fragrant aroma. Red, pink, yellow, purple… the vibrant blossoms intertwine to create a magnificent and colorful tapestry. A winding path meanders through this sea of ​​flowers, lined with rare and precious blooms such as peonies, herbaceous peonies, and roses. These flowers were personally selected and planted by the princess and her husband, each one embodying their love of life and their pursuit of beauty.

The garden also features an artificial hill, covered with various flowers, trees, and shrubs, such as pine, cypress, and maple. These plants display different colors in different seasons, adding vitality and life to the artificial hill.

Following the path, you come to a small pond. The water is crystal clear, and fish swim freely. Willow trees line the pond, their branches swaying in the breeze, as if telling the story of spring. In the center of the pond is a small island, covered with various flowers, trees, and shrubs, such as peach blossoms, apricot blossoms, and pear blossoms. These flowers and shrubs bloom beautifully in spring, creating a sea of ​​flowers.

After crossing the pond, they arrived at a pavilion. The pavilion was surrounded by various flowers, such as chrysanthemums, orchids, and plum blossoms. These flowers bloomed in different seasons, adding a touch of poetry to the pavilion. In the center of the pavilion was a stone table and several stone benches. Ouyang Xue said that she and her husband often enjoyed tea, chess, and music here, savoring their leisurely time. This was their sanctuary, a testament to their love. Chen Mengyao couldn't help but envy this seemingly perfect couple; their relationship was truly wonderful, and they even shared common interests to discuss.

Continuing onward, behind the pavilion lies a bamboo grove. The bamboo stalks are tall and straight, their verdant greenness vibrant. A gentle breeze rustles through the bamboo, creating a soft, melodious sound, as if playing a beautiful tune. A path winds through the bamboo grove, lined with various flowers, trees, and shrubs, such as osmanthus, cherry blossoms, and crabapple trees. These plants bloom with different flowers in different seasons, adding a touch of romance to the bamboo grove.

Behind the bamboo grove was an orchard. The orchard was filled with various fruit trees, such as apple, pear, and peach trees. These trees blossomed in spring, bore fruit in summer, and ripened in autumn. There was also a grape trellis in the orchard, laden with bunches of glistening grapes that looked incredibly tempting.

After admiring the scenery in the backyard, Chen Mengyao was deeply moved by the love between the princess and the prince consort. Everything in the backyard was clearly the result of their careful design. After enjoying the view, they returned to the main hall to chat. Just as they were having a pleasant conversation, Ouyang Han and the prince consort walked in together. Chen Mengyao quickly went up to them and said, "Yichen, have you finished discussing things?" "Yes. Let's go back," Ouyang Han said. Then, turning to Ouyang Xue, he said, "Thank you for taking care of Yaoyao, elder sister." Ouyang Xue quickly replied, "We're family, no need to be so polite." She then took out many pastries and beautiful jewelry and gave them to Chen Mengyao, saying, "Sister-in-law, come visit again sometime." Chen Mengyao nodded, accepted the gifts from Ouyang Xue, and left, holding Ouyang Han's hand.