The Prince's Beloved Little Wife

The next morning, just as dawn was breaking, sunlight streamed into the room through the curtains. Chen Mengyao and Ouyang Han got up promptly at eight o'clock, and after washing up, they went downstairs for breakfast. The villa's kitchen had already prepared a sumptuous Chinese breakfast: steaming millet porridge, crispy fried dough sticks, and several delicate side dishes, all of which whetted their appetites.

After breakfast, they went to the villa's hall to rest for a while. Chen Mengyao took out her phone, opened the royal group chat, and typed: "Good morning, brothers and sisters! Today is our agreed-upon gathering day, please remember to come to the palace to accompany the Emperor! By the way, have you decided which game you want to play? Please choose from the games I listed before."

The group chat started buzzing shortly after the message was sent.

Princess Yongle was the first to reply: "Fruit squat! I think that's the most fun, it's funny and you can move around! I played it with the servants in the princess's residence and it was quite interesting."

The eldest princess followed up: "I suggest three-legged race, or back-to-back balloon race, which is also good. It's highly interactive and suitable for everyone to play together."

Prince Duan also became interested: "It's quite exciting to follow instructions and perform actions to grab water bottles. It can test reaction ability. I think this can be added."

King Wen, on the other hand, was more refined: "Let's play a word chain game. It's entertaining and educational, a good choice."

Prince An and his wife, the Second Princess, said with smiles, "All the games are very interesting, and we really can't decide. Let Yao'er make the decision."

Seeing everyone's lively discussion, Chen Mengyao smiled slightly and typed quickly in response: "Then let's decide on four games: Fruit Squat, Back-to-Back Balloon Race, Fun Puzzle, and Idiom Chain. The props for these games are readily available, and they're relatively easy to play. What do you all think?"

Everyone nodded in agreement, and the group chat was instantly flooded with messages like "Support," "Great," and "Looking forward to it."

After finishing talking about the game, Chen Mengyao added, "By the way, I've also prepared a lot of delicious food in my space. These are all foods you've been craving for a long time. Make sure you come to the palace on an empty stomach so you can all enjoy your meal!"

At nine o'clock sharp, the hall was quiet, with only the clear chirping of birds outside the window. Chen Mengyao and Ouyang Han exchanged a glance, nodded in tacit agreement, and then entered the space together.

"Grandpa, it's me." Chen Mengyao dialed Grandpa Chen's number.

The cheerful voice of Old Master Chen came from the other end of the phone: "Yao'er, it's just in time for your call. We've already sent all the servants away."

"That's great." Chen Mengyao breathed a sigh of relief. "We're going to teleport to Shanghai to pick you and Grandma, and Grandpa and Grandma on your mother's side. Where are you now?"

“We’re sitting in the living room of the main house,” Grandpa Chen said with a smile. “But Yao’er, could you wait a few more minutes? Your grandma just made some tea, and we’re drinking it now.”

“No problem, I can come over and have tea with you.” Chen Mengyao said gently.

After hanging up the phone, Ouyang Han stood to the side, smiling as he looked at her: "Everything went smoothly?"

“Yes, they’re having tea. Let’s head over now,” Chen Mengyao said.

As soon as they finished speaking, with a soft "whoosh," the two disappeared from their original spot, reappearing in the spacious and bright hall of the Chen residence. The hall was filled with the fragrance of sandalwood incense, and antique furniture was neatly arranged. In the center sat the sprightly Old Master Chen in a mahogany armchair, beside him sat the kind-looking Old Madam. On the other side were Old Master Situ and his wife, the four of them sitting around a tea table, enjoying tea and chatting.

"Grandpa, Grandma, Grandpa and Grandma on the other side, we're here!" Chen Mengyao greeted them with a smile as soon as she landed, her voice clear and melodious, like a mountain stream flowing out.

"Oh, you've finally arrived." The old lady put down her teacup and looked at them with a smile. "Please sit down, please sit down. This tea is freshly brewed, just in time to quench your thirst."

Ouyang Han and Chen Mengyao exchanged a smile, then sat down side by side and chatted with the four elders for a few moments. The atmosphere was warm and harmonious, and their words revealed deep affection and concern.

“We discussed your itinerary last night,” Ouyang Han said slowly, picking up his teacup and blowing on it gently. “I’d like to first take a few elders around the capital to see the famous historical sites and experience the local customs. Then I’ll arrange for you to stay at the villa for a few days. It’s a quiet place with beautiful scenery, perfect for relaxation and rejuvenation.”

"This is a great arrangement." Grandpa Chen nodded approvingly, his eyes sparkling with anticipation. "I've long wanted to live in a place with a beautiful environment, where the air is fresh and it's perfect for us old folks."

“Yes, I also like quiet places,” the old lady agreed, her tone gentle. “Compared to the hustle and bustle of the city, natural scenery is more reassuring.”

“Then it’s settled.” Ouyang Han smiled. “We’ll set off after we finish our tea.”

The group chatted for a while longer, their laughter filling the air with the aroma of tea, creating a warm and cozy atmosphere. After the tea was finished, Chen Mengyao stood up and said softly, "Grandpa, Grandma, Grandpa and Grandma on my mother's side, please come with me."

She waved her hand gently, and a soft light enveloped everyone. The next moment, they were in Chen Mengyao's spatial supermarket.

Then, she gently pressed the time-space button at the exit of the space, and, hand in hand with several elders and Ouyang Han, they soon found themselves standing in an elegantly furnished room. The carved beams and painted rafters, the brocade curtains and embroidered screens, all exuded the nobility and luxury of the royal residence.

"Welcome to my home." Ouyang Han greeted him with a smile, took out his phone and dialed the butler's number. "Uncle An, please come over immediately. I have some important guests who need to be accommodated."

Before long, an elderly man in a long robe with a respectful expression pushed open the door and entered. He was none other than An Bo, the chief steward of the Prince's Mansion.

"Your Highness, Your Highness." Uncle An bowed respectfully, his gaze falling on the four elderly people, slightly puzzled but with a respectful expression.

Ouyang Han smiled slightly and introduced, "These two are the Princess's grandparents and maternal grandparents. You can call them Grandpa and Madam from now on. They will be staying here for a few days. They are our honored guests, so please make sure to treat them well. Arrange for them to stay in the same courtyard for now so that it will be easier to take care of them. We will bring them to the main hall later."

"Yes, this old servant understands," Uncle An replied quickly, his attitude sincere.

"Select a few more clever and sensible maids and servants to serve you, and take meticulous care of your food and daily life," Ouyang Han added, his tone gentle yet authoritative.

"Rest assured, Your Highness, this old servant will handle it perfectly," Uncle An promised firmly.

"Hmm." Ouyang Han nodded in satisfaction. "Remember, these four elders are the Princess's closest relatives. Have the people in the manor treat them with care. If they are neglected, you will be held responsible."

“This old servant understands.” Uncle An bowed solemnly. “Please come with me, gentlemen, I will take you to the newly arranged courtyard.”

The four elderly people stood up and left the room under Uncle An's guidance. Only Ouyang Han and Chen Mengyao remained inside.

"Yaoyao, do you think this arrangement is appropriate?" Ouyang Han turned his head to look at her, his eyes full of tenderness, like a spring breeze.

“It’s perfect,” Chen Mengyao said softly, a hint of relief in her eyes. “They will definitely like it here.”

"Then let them settle down here." Ouyang Han held her hand, a smile playing on his lips. "In the days to come, I will make them feel the warmth of the Prince's Mansion, and also fulfill your filial duty."

Sunlight streamed in through the window, illuminating their faces, creating a warm and peaceful atmosphere, as if the whole world had softened because of this moment.

Chen Mengyao and Ouyang Han stepped out of the room and passed through the main hall of the Prince's Mansion. Morning light streamed through the windows, casting dappled patterns on the bluestone floor, the interplay of light and shadow seemingly telling a story of the ancient mansion's tranquility and solemnity. After a short rest in the main hall of the Prince's Mansion, Chen Mengyao took out her phone and sent a message to a WeChat group called "The Royal Family": "Everyone, we are ready and can depart for the palace immediately."

The moment the message was sent, the atmosphere in the group became lively.

King Wen responded first: "Received, I will set off from the King Wen Palace immediately."

Prince An followed closely behind: "I'm almost there too, I should be there in a quarter of an hour."

Prince Duan chuckled with a hint of teasing, "Slow down, all of you, don't leave me too far behind."

The eldest princess gently reminded everyone, "Please pay attention to the time, don't be late."

The second princess replied playfully, "Don't worry, sister, I can ride a horse much faster than you!"

Princess Yongle then posted a cute emoji: "I'm already in the carriage~"

Looking at the messages flashing on the screen, Chen Mengyao smiled slightly and turned to Ouyang Han, saying, "It seems everyone is quite enthusiastic."

Ouyang Han chuckled softly, his gaze gentle: "Of course. Who wouldn't want to get together for such a rare gathering? We're all so busy these days, it's a rare opportunity to gather together."

Before she could finish speaking, Chen Mengyao's mind stirred, and with a light swipe of her fingertip, a faint light flashed, and a black minivan quietly appeared on the stone road outside the Prince's Mansion.

About fifteen minutes later, the steward, Uncle An, led the four elders back. The four were in high spirits, their faces full of satisfaction.

"Grandpa, Grandma, Grandpa and Grandma on the other side, are you satisfied with that yard?" Chen Mengyao asked impatiently.

Grandpa Chen nodded approvingly: "Yao'er has made excellent arrangements. The courtyard is lush with flowers and trees, and the air is fresh. It's very comfortable to live here."

Grandma Chen added with a smile, "It's just a bit too big. It feels rather empty when several of us old folks live there."

"Then let's wait until Mom and Dad and our relatives are free and let them come and stay for a few days." Chen Mengyao blinked. "Today, I'll take you to the palace for our family banquet."

Grandpa Chen remarked with emotion, "Last time I came to Beijing, it was too rushed. This time, I must stay for a few more days."

"This time, I'll show you the local customs and culture of Beijing and let you taste all the delicious food here," Chen Mengyao said with a bright smile.

Grandpa Situ nodded with satisfaction: "My granddaughter is truly filial."

The group chatted for a while longer, creating a warm and harmonious atmosphere. Chen Mengyao then interrupted, saying, "Alright, the car is ready, let's set off now."

Ouyang Han also came over and respectfully bowed to the elderly people: "Elders, please get in the car."

Everyone boarded the car in turn. Ouyang Han sat in the driver's seat, the four elders sat in the back, and Chen Mengyao sat in the passenger seat. The car slowly started and smoothly drove out of the palace gate.

People lining both sides of the street stopped to watch and discuss the scene.

"Hey, look at that thing! It can run without a horse!"

"I heard it's a novelty from Princess Jing; everything she sells in the department store is rare."

"This thing is faster than a horse-drawn carriage, it's amazing!"

Ouyang Han skillfully steered the car, weaving through streets and alleys, attracting countless admiring and curious glances. The atmosphere inside the car was relaxed and pleasant, with the group chatting and laughing all the way.

Soon after, the car arrived smoothly at the palace gates. Ouyang Han rolled down the window, and the guards, seeing that it was Prince Jing in person, immediately nodded and let them pass. The car drove through the palace gates and along the imperial road directly to the front of Emperor Yongchang's sleeping quarters.

After getting out of the car, Ouyang Han went around to the back door, opened it, and carefully helped the elderly people out one by one. Chen Mengyao stood aside, waiting quietly.

Upon entering the palace again, the elderly men appeared remarkably composed.

"The palace is indeed magnificent, even more so than our Forbidden City." Old Master Chen looked up at the towering palace, his voice full of admiration.