The Prince's Beloved Little Wife

Inside Yongle's mansion, sunlight streamed through the carved windows into the spacious and bright hall, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. Zhao Wei, Ouyang Han, Chen Mengyao, and her grandparents sat around a rosewood table, chatting and laughing in a cozy and harmonious setting. They discussed everything from anecdotes from the palace to everyday family matters, from local customs to Yongle's upcoming wedding, their conversation filled with joy and laughter, as if they were already one family.

A short while later, the steward entered the hall quietly, bowed, and reported, "Your Highness, the courtyard where Prince Jing, his consort, and their family will be staying has been prepared and they are ready to move in at any time." Yongle smiled slightly upon hearing this, turned to look at the four elders, and asked in a gentle tone, "You elders get up early and probably don't like resting in the palace. Would you like to rest for a while? Tea, snacks, and soft pillows have been prepared in the courtyard over there. If you feel sleepy, you may take a nap."

The elderly men exchanged smiles and nodded in agreement, saying, "Thank you for your consideration, Your Highness. We do indeed have the habit of taking a midday nap at home. We appreciate your thoughtfulness." Yongle waved her hand, smiling broadly, "It is my honor to be able to do something for our elders." After saying this, she instructed the steward to arrange for maids and servants to lead the four elderly men to the new courtyard to rest, and specifically instructed that they be placed in a courtyard near Princess Jing's residence so that they could be taken care of.

After the elderly people left, only Yongle, Zhao Wei, Ouyang Han, and Chen Mengyao remained in the hall. Chen Mengyao suddenly stood up and said with a smile to Zhao Wei and Ouyang Han, "You two chat first. I have something I want to say to Yongle alone." After saying that, she winked at Yongle, who smiled knowingly and got up to follow her out of the hall.

The two strolled slowly along the cobblestone path, crossing winding bridges and flowing water, until they arrived at a pavilion deep within the garden. The pavilion was surrounded by lush green trees and entwined with vines; a gentle breeze carried the fragrance of flowers. They sat down side by side, and Chen Mengyao sighed softly, saying gently, "Yongle, are you ready? You're about to become someone else's bride; this is the most important step in your life."

Yongle nodded, a hint of shyness and anticipation in her eyes: "Actually, I'm a little nervous, after all, this is the first time I've experienced such a big event. However, the thought of spending the rest of my life with Zhao Wei fills me with more joy."

Chen Mengyao smiled gently: "How are the wedding preparations going? I've been very busy lately and haven't been able to help much. I'm so sorry."

“Third sister-in-law, there’s no need to blame yourself,” Yongle quickly said. “My brother has already instructed the Ministry of Rites and the Imperial Household Department to make all the preparations, and everything is proceeding in an orderly manner. The wedding dress and crown are also ready. I even tried them on the other day, and they are indeed as you suggested, light and comfortable, and won’t hurt my shoulders. If I were to wear that heavy phoenix crown that day, I’m afraid I would embarrass myself.”

Chen Mengyao couldn't help but laugh after hearing this: "That's good, I was just worried you'd be too tired. Also, has the wedding banquet menu been finalized? Are there any dishes you like?"

"Yes, yes, Father and my brother specially asked the imperial kitchen to prepare several dishes that I like to eat, and even prepared several jars of your favorite osmanthus wine." Yongle's eyes crinkled, and her tone revealed a hint of playfulness.

Chen Mengyao couldn't help but laugh out loud: "It seems they really put a lot of effort into their preparations. But don't be too nervous, everything will go smoothly. Zhao Wei is a thoughtful and considerate person, he will take good care of you."

Yongle nodded gently, gazing at the flowerbeds in the distance, her voice low yet firm: "I know. With him by my side, I feel that everything in the future is worth looking forward to."

The two sat in the pavilion for a while longer, exchanging many intimate words. It was only after a long time that they slowly got up, joined hands, and returned to the main hall to continue their conversation with Zhao Wei and Ouyang Han. Laughter once again echoed in the warm mansion.

As Chen Mengyao and Princess Yongle gracefully returned to the spacious and bright hall, Ouyang Han and Zhao Wei were engrossed in a lively conversation. Their faces were relaxed and cheerful, and their topic seemed to revolve around some interesting events that had recently occurred in the city.

Chen Mengyao bowed slightly and gracefully sat down on a chair to the side, while Princess Yongle, with a faint smile, also sat down on a seat to the side and continued to join their conversation.

In this warm and harmonious atmosphere, Princess Yongle suddenly remembered something. She turned her head slightly, nodded to the steward standing to the side, and whispered, "Steward, please arrange for the cook to prepare extra food tonight. I plan to treat my third brother Ouyang Han, my third sister-in-law Chen Mengyao, and several of my sister-in-law's elders well. Also, the actors who will be performing soon—they've all worked hard, so they should be well-fed."

Upon hearing the princess's instructions, the steward quickly bowed and respectfully replied, "Yes, Your Highness. I understand. I will go and make the arrangements immediately and will certainly not disappoint you." With that, he hurriedly retreated to attend to the relevant matters.

Not long after, Liu'er from the art gallery, dressed in an elegant outfit, arrived with light steps, leading the gallery's backstage staff and a group of actors. They stopped in unison at the entrance of the hall, first bowing respectfully to Princess Yongle, Ouyang Han, and Chen Mengyao. Liu'er slightly curtsied and asked softly, "Your Highness, where do you plan to set up the stage?"

Princess Yongle quickly stood up, smiling as she greeted everyone, "Please follow me, everyone." With that, she led the way towards the garden. Seeing this, Zhao Wei, Chen Mengyao, and Ouyang Han also rose and followed the crowd out.

Soon, the group arrived at the garden, a riot of flowers and fragrant with aromas. Princess Yongle stood in an open space, carefully surveying her surroundings before methodically directing the people to begin setting up the stage. She pointed here and there, her expression focused and earnest.

During this time, Chen Mengyao walked to Liu'er's side, a hint of curiosity on her face, and asked softly, "Liu'er, I'd like to ask about the art gallery lately. Are there many people watching the performances? Have there been any new programs or new people joining?"

Liu'er raised her head slightly, her eyes sparkling, and replied happily, "Your Highness, there have been quite a few people watching the performances lately. Everyone really enjoys our art gallery's performances. Moreover, we've also rehearsed some new and interesting programs, and some very talented newcomers have joined our team. They can perform for you tonight."

Chen Mengyao nodded slightly, a look of satisfaction in her eyes, and then asked, "Do people from nearby towns also come to watch the performance?"

Liu'er smiled and replied, "Yes, Your Highness. Not only do people in the capital enjoy watching, but wealthy people from nearby towns also pay us to perform. Sometimes, we even feel we don't have enough people." Chen Mengyao said, "Then you should continue recruiting."

Liu'er paused briefly, a hint of anticipation flashing in her eyes, and then asked, "Your Highness, do you think we could open an art gallery in another place? That way, more people could enjoy our performances."

Chen Mengyao thought about it for a moment and thought it was feasible, so she smiled and said, "Hmm, I think it's fine. Liu'er, you can handle this matter. If you need money, go to the Prince's Mansion and ask the steward for it. As for management personnel, you can find some suitable candidates yourself, or train some from the existing staff."

Upon hearing this, Liu'er smiled with excitement and quickly bowed, saying, "Thank you for your support and trust, Your Highness. I will do my best to live up to your expectations."

Just then, the stage was set up. The lights were also ready, and the sound system was in place. Princess Yongle looked at the brand-new stage, nodded in satisfaction, and then turned to the actors, saying, "You've all had a long journey. Please stay at the mansion for dinner tonight. Find a courtyard to rest first, and then we can make all the necessary preparations after dinner. Don't overwork yourselves, or you won't have the energy for the performance."

Everyone bowed in gratitude. Then, Princess Yongle arranged for servants to take them to a courtyard to rest, and reminded them to treat them well and not to be negligent in the slightest.

After the actors were settled in their respective courtyards by the servants, Chen Mengyao and Princess Yongle strolled along the garden path. A gentle breeze blew, and petals fell like a colorful rain of flowers.

"Third Sister-in-law, I hope you and Third Brother will like today's arrangements." Princess Yongle smiled, a hint of anticipation flashing in her eyes.

Chen Mengyao gently took her arm and replied, "Yongle, you're so thoughtful. This meticulous preparation warms our hearts. It's been a long time since I've seen their performance; I wonder if their performance has improved this time?"

As they were talking, Ouyang Han and Zhao Wei walked over. Ouyang Han smiled and suggested, "Now that the stage is set up, let's test the sound and lighting effects first."

So Chen Mengyao went on stage, turned on the sound system, played soft music, and took out the microphone to test it. Ouyang Han then went to the lighting control panel, turning on various lighting effects one by one, checking every detail. As the lights intertwined in the air, the garden instantly became a kaleidoscope of colors. After confirming everything was normal, everyone returned to their seats with relief.

"It seems everything is ready, just waiting for the audience to arrive." Zhao Wei nodded in satisfaction.

Next, Princess Yongle instructed her servants to set out many tables and chairs, and told them to prepare some pastries, tea, and fruit to be placed on the table after dinner.

"I think tonight's performance will be even more wonderful with our loved ones by our side," Princess Yongle said with anticipation.

Afterwards, Princess Yongle also notified her elder brothers and sisters, including the eldest princess, the second princess, Prince Wen, Prince Duan, and Prince An, as well as her respected emperor brother, in the royal family's group chat, inviting them to bring their families to watch the performance that evening. Everyone replied that they would definitely be there on time. She believed that watching the performance together would be more lively.

As night fell, the mansion was brightly lit. Several of Chen Mengyao's elders were invited to the dining hall, and the banquet began. The table was laden with a sumptuous feast, from tender roast duck to delicate pastries, each dish a delight to behold. Everyone sat together, laughter and chatter filling the air, creating a warm and joyful atmosphere.

After several rounds of drinks, the actors came over to toast and express their gratitude. A veteran actor with many years of experience said with emotion, "Thank you so much, Princess, Prince, and Princess, for your kindness in giving us such good treatment. We will do our best to live up to everyone's expectations."

Princess Yongle raised her wine glass, smiled, and said, "Everyone has worked hard. I hope tonight's performance will be a complete success, leaving us all with wonderful memories."

After the banquet, the performers began changing clothes and putting on makeup, making various preparations. Backstage, everything was busy yet orderly, with everyone carrying a hint of tension and excitement, anticipating the wonderful performance to come.