The Prince's Beloved Little Wife

The carriage journey took over an hour before arriving at the Prince's Mansion. As Chen Mengyao alighted, she was immediately captivated by the sight of the gate. The plaque above the gate bore the powerful inscription "Prince Jing's Mansion," and the imposing, vermilion gate was adorned with rows of golden studs, exuding an air of solemnity. On either side of the entrance stood a majestic stone lion, heads held high, exuding an aura of power. Chen Mengyao thought to herself: "No wonder he's the most favored prince; even his gate is so grand and extraordinary."

As Chen Mengyao entered the Prince's Mansion under Ouyang Han's guidance, the first thing that caught her eye was a wide bluestone avenue leading directly to the main hall. Various exotic flowers and plants lined both sides of the avenue, blooming year-round and filling the air with their fragrance. At the end of the avenue stood a magnificent palace-style building—the main hall of the Prince's Mansion. The roof of the main hall featured a double-eaved hip roof design, with upturned eaves and corners, exuding an imposing aura. Above the main hall's entrance hung a golden plaque bearing the four large characters "Prince's Mansion Main Hall," written in a vigorous and powerful style.

The interior of the main hall was luxuriously decorated. Thick carpets covered the floor, and exquisite calligraphy and paintings adorned the walls. The tables, chairs, and benches were all made of the finest wood, intricately carved with patterns. In the center of the hall stood a massive table, where the prince conducted state affairs. Behind the table was a tall chair, the prince's throne, its exquisite carvings lending it an air of great authority.

After Ouyang Han led her to sit down in the hall, he ordered a servant to bring the steward over. The steward, named Wang An, was known to everyone as Uncle An. He had watched Ouyang Han grow up and treated him like his own son, and Ouyang Han respected him greatly. Upon meeting Uncle An, Ouyang Han told him about Chen Mengyao saving him, instructing him to tell the servants to treat her well, arrange suitable accommodations for her, and find several reliable maids and nannies to serve her.

Uncle An was overjoyed to see the prince bring back a woman. The prince was nearly 30 years old and still had no wife, not even a concubine or maidservant in his household; the entire household was filled with men. This had worried Uncle An to no end, as he had even suspected the prince of being homosexual. Now, with a woman brought back, Uncle An was delighted, especially since she was the prince's savior. He was determined to treat her well, hoping she might become his future wife. Thinking this, Uncle An treated Chen Mengyao with exceptional hospitality, pouring tea and serving her snacks, almost making Chen Mengyao feel overwhelmed.

Seeing her somewhat tired appearance, Uncle An led her to the Plum Blossom Garden, the courtyard closest to the Prince, introducing her to everything in the Prince's mansion as they walked. The Plum Blossom Garden was named for the abundance of plum blossoms and orchids planted within. Besides this garden, there were also the Prince's residences: Cold Jade Hall, Bamboo Rhyme Pavilion, Chrysanthemum Rhyme Studio, and Peach Blossom Residence, all named for the many bamboo, chrysanthemums, and peach blossoms planted there. There were also Emerald Shadow Pavilion, Jade Tea Pavilion, Clear Orchid Pavilion, Fragrant Garden, Elegant Pavilion, and Jade Luo Courtyard, all filled with various exotic flowers and plants. In addition to the main hall, the Prince's mansion had many other buildings, such as studies, gardens, kitchens, and martial arts training grounds, located in the four courtyards to the east, west, south, and north of the mansion.

The East Courtyard is the Prince's Garden, known as "Qinyuan." It's filled with various exotic flowers and rare herbs, enjoying a spring-like climate year-round and beautiful scenery. The West Courtyard is the Prince's Study, named "Moxiangzhai." It houses a large collection of books and calligraphy, and is the main building. The South Courtyard is the Prince's Martial Arts Training Ground, known as "Yanwutang." This is where the Prince and his guards practiced martial arts daily, and it's also a crucial military stronghold for the Prince. The North Courtyard houses the Prince's Kitchen and Warehouse, named "Baiweifang." It was responsible for the Prince's food supply and material reserves, serving as the Prince's logistical support center.

Chen Mengyao was very curious after hearing the introduction, thinking: This prince is so refined, he actually grows so many exotic flowers and plants. I must visit every place there when I have time. Lost in thought, she soon arrived at the Plum Blossom Garden. Uncle An told her to rest first, and that he would arrange for a few maids to come over later, and then call her for dinner. Chen Mengyao thanked him and went to bed. She hadn't slept much last night because she was taking care of Ouyang Han, and because she was so tired, she fell asleep quickly.

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