The Prince's Beloved Little Wife

Chen Mengyao woke up after sleeping for about an hour. Just then, the steward, Uncle An, arrived with four maids. Seeing Chen Mengyao awake, he quickly said, "Miss, you're awake? These are maids specially arranged for you by the Prince. Their names are Meixiang, Yilan, Bizhu, and Ziju. Just let them know if you need anything. Now, this old servant will take you to the dining hall for dinner."

Several maids hurriedly bowed to Chen Mengyao. Chen Mengyao quickly told them to rise. Hearing that the maids' names were all related to plants, Chen Mengyao became even more interested in Ouyang Han. She wanted to know more about him and why he liked plants so much.

So she followed Uncle An, with several maids following behind her. On the way, Chen Mengyao took the opportunity to inquire about Ouyang Han: "Uncle An, does the Prince particularly like exotic flowers and plants? I see many flowers and plants planted in the mansion, and even the names of the courtyards and maids are related to plants." Uncle An said, "The Prince does indeed like exotic flowers and plants, and that's because his mother, Consort Lan, especially loved them. He was influenced by his mother when he was young and developed a liking for them. Later, to please his mother, he specially collected all sorts of exotic flowers and plants from various places to give to her, and even planted many in the mansion so he could send some to her from time to time." Chen Mengyao was surprised to hear this; she realized how filial he was. She then inquired about Ouyang Han's personality and whether his mother was easy to get along with. If she needed to survive here, she needed a powerful backer, and Ouyang Han was the best choice.

So Uncle An began to speak at length: "Although His Highness may seem cold and unapproachable on the surface, that's only towards strangers. He's very easy to get along with those he knows well. He can be a bit strict with his servants at times, but he never beats or scolds them. Also, His Highness has maintained his integrity for many years, without any concubines. As you've seen along the way, the mansion is full of servants, no maids. Those four maids were only arranged by His Highness after he saw you." Uncle An paused, then continued, "Actually, His Highness is very kind at heart. You'll understand once you've known him for a while. He doesn't easily kill people unless someone is foolish enough to offend him. As for Consort Lan, she's very easy to get along with and treats her servants very well, never beating or scolding them. His Highness inherited her personality." Uncle An said with a smile. Chen Mengyao nodded, secretly delighted. It seemed she had to seize the opportunity to gain the approval of Ouyang Han and Consort Lan.

Upon entering the dining room, Chen Mengyao saw the table laden with sumptuous dishes and gratefully said to Uncle An, "Thank you, Uncle An, for your trouble." "You're too kind, young lady. It's my duty. Please enjoy your meal, and don't hesitate to ask if you need anything," Uncle An replied before leaving. Chen Mengyao thought to herself, "I'll fill my stomach first, and plan the rest later." So she sat down and began to enjoy the delicious meal.

Uncle An went back to report to the Prince, praising Chen Mengyao to the skies, saying she was beautiful, polite, and kind-hearted—otherwise, she wouldn't have saved a stranger. Uncle An solemnly lectured the Prince to treat her well and not to always put on such a cold face and scare her away. Chen Mengyao knew nothing of these things.

After eating and drinking her fill, Chen Mengyao asked several maids to show her around the palace. Her first thought was to take her to the garden, as she was curious about the flowers there. Upon entering the garden, Chen Mengyao was immediately captivated by the beauty before her. A dazzling array of exotic flowers vied for attention, some as vibrant as fire, others delicate and elegant; some shaped like peonies, others like peonies. There were also some unnamed wildflowers, scattered among the green grass, adding a unique charm.

Chen Mengyao admired the exotic flowers and plants with great interest, occasionally exclaiming in amazement. Among them, the most eye-catching was a blue flower with petals as transparent as crystal, shimmering with a captivating luster.

"This flower is so beautiful, what's it called?" Chen Mengyao asked curiously. "Miss, this is a Blue Crystal Flower, extremely rare. There's only one in the entire palace," one of the maids replied respectfully.

Chen Mengyao sighed inwardly; this Prince's mansion was indeed extraordinary, even the flowers and plants were so precious and unique. She continued strolling among the flowers, feeling the fragrance and the gentle caress of the breeze, her mood exceptionally pleasant. The flowers exuded a captivating aroma. When she reached the pond, she saw the lotus flowers swaying gently in the breeze like graceful fairies. Fish swam among the lotus leaves, sometimes playing, sometimes still, as if admiring the beauty of the lotus. Chen Mengyao was captivated by this tranquil and beautiful scene. She approached the pond, bent down, and carefully observed a blooming lotus flower.

After admiring the beautiful scenery, Chen Mengyao strolled along the path, appreciating her surroundings. Suddenly, she noticed a pavilion and walked over. The pavilion was elegantly furnished, with a stone table and several stone chairs. She imagined herself and Ouyang Han enjoying tea and conversation there, and a sweet feeling welled up in her heart. Suddenly, she snapped back to reality. "Why am I having such strange thoughts? Do I like him? Although he is indeed very handsome, will he like me back? Besides, this is ancient times. What if he has three wives and four concubines? I can't accept that. I should stop daydreaming. Establishing my own business here through him is the most important thing."

Just as she was lost in her reverie, a butterfly fluttered by, catching her attention. Following its trail, she unknowingly arrived at the artificial hill. The hill, with its jagged rocks and flowing water, created a beautiful scene.

Chen Mengyao was completely immersed in the picturesque scenery, forgetting the passage of time. She reluctantly left the garden only when the sun began to set.