He knew that Old Master Yao had humbled himself to request his favor today. If he were to grant his wish, not only would another beauty join his harem, but he would also receive considerable assistance. However, his heart had long been closed to other women, and he could only shake his head firmly.
"I promised her I would never go back on my word. While others may say that emperors throughout history have had countless beautiful women in their harems, I wish to be a unique exception. My heart has already fallen for her. Even if Miss Yao were to enter my harem, she would not find happiness. She is merely misguided for now. In a few years, with more life experience, she will be glad she did not enter my harem." The Crown Prince looked at Old Master Yao with sincere eyes. If it were anyone else, he could have refused outright, but Old Master Yao's status and position were extraordinary, so he had to speak kindly.
Old Master Yao understood this reasoning, but when the Crown Prince tactfully refused him, he couldn't help but feel a pang of disappointment. The Emperor's health had just taken a turn for the worse, and before the Crown Prince had even ascended the throne, he was already disregarding his wishes. He knew the Crown Prince's harem was not a desirable place, but what could he do when his granddaughter was in love?
If there was anyone in his life that Old Master Yao felt most indebted to, it was his eldest son and daughter-in-law. Back then, his eldest son could have avoided going to war, but for the future of the Yao family, despite knowing the danger, he had resolutely sent him off. Upon hearing the news of her husband's death, his daughter-in-law was grief-stricken and died in childbirth that very night, taking her unborn child with her. Their two-year-old granddaughter, Yao Feiyan, lost both her parents overnight. Soodan Novel Network
For many years, to make amends for his debt to his eldest son, he and his wife had doted on her, cherishing her as if she were made of glass and holding her as if she might shatter. They indulged her every whim. Their eldest granddaughter was also exceptionally accomplished, proficient in the zither, chess, calligraphy, and painting, a renowned talented woman in the capital. Many families had approached him to gauge his intentions, but he either felt the suitor was unsuitable or not good enough for his granddaughter.
Unexpectedly, during an outing, she met the Crown Prince and her heart was lost to him from then on. She became like someone possessed, her demeanor changing drastically. Old Master Yao observed this with worry and knew his granddaughter's actions were wrong, but he still wanted to fulfill her wish, as she had never made any excessive demands since childhood.
Since the other party had refused, Old Master Yao sighed, suppressed his displeasure, and silently gestured for him to leave, indicating that his granddaughter would no longer pester him.
The Crown Prince thought the matter was settled and that he would be free from this trouble henceforth. Little did he expect that as soon as he stepped out of Old Master Yao's courtyard, he would see a woman looking at him with tear-filled eyes.
"Why? What about me is not good enough for you? I have already humbled myself so much, letting you trample on my dignity, yet you still refuse to turn back. How can I possibly live in this world?" This time, Yao Feiyan was truly heartbroken. She had originally thought that with her family background, looks, and talent, entering the Crown Prince's harem would be a simple matter. Once inside, she was confident she could win the Crown Prince's heart and neglect the Crown Princess. She never expected the Crown Prince to deny her this opportunity, disrupting all her plans.
"There are plenty of good men in this world. I implore Miss Yao not to fixate on me alone." The Crown Prince felt that since he had clarified things with Old Master Yao, he did not wish to engage in further conversation. He walked past her and continued on his way. However, as he walked, he suddenly heard a "plop" behind him. Startled, he quickly turned back to see ripples on the surface of the lake not far away.
"Quick, save her!" The Crown Prince immediately looked at his personal guard.
The guard paused only briefly before quickly jumping into the lake to rescue Miss Yao.
The commotion here quickly attracted the attention of the Yao family. Upon hearing the news, Old Master Yao shot up and hurried outside. He never imagined his granddaughter would be so foolish. Despite being disregarded, she still resorted to such a reckless act. While he was disappointed in her, he also felt heartache and his resentment towards the Crown Prince grew.
Yao Feiyan did not genuinely wish to die. She merely wanted to frighten the Crown Prince and, at the same time, compel him to jump in and save her. In front of everyone, she would have an intimate encounter with him, making it impossible for him to discard her and forcing him to take responsibility.
As she held her breath underwater, she felt someone grab her and unconsciously a smile flickered across her lips. When she surfaced and opened her eyes, she saw it wasn't the person she had imagined, and she was furious. She shoved him away.
By this time, Old Master Yao had arrived at the lakeside. Seeing that his granddaughter was unharmed, he breathed a sigh of relief and quickly ordered a woman who could swim to go and rescue her.
As soon as Yao Feiyan reached the shore, the Crown Prince eagerly bid farewell. This time, Old Master Yao's gaze towards him had changed; he didn't even attempt to keep him. The Crown Prince didn't pay it any mind and quickly returned to his residence. Upon seeing his Crown Princess, he immediately recounted the day's events to her, advising her to be more mindful of Miss Yao in the future, as that woman was too desperate.
Wu Caiwei thought that after these incidents, even if the Yao family doted on Yao Feiyan, they would discipline her properly. She never expected that merely three days later, while paying her respects to the Empress, she would encounter the rumored woman.
Wu Caiwei didn't recognize her. Before she even reached the Empress's chambers, she heard laughter. The Empress rarely interacted with others, and the palace was usually quiet. She hadn't expected it to be so lively today. She wanted to see who possessed such charm that could make the Empress laugh heartily. Unfortunately, as soon as she entered, the atmosphere subsided. Wu Caiwei couldn't help but wonder if it was her imagination, but she felt the air solidify. Suppressing her doubts, she quickly paid her respects to the Empress.
The Empress did not make things difficult for her, calmly telling her to rise. She chatted with Yao Feiyan intermittently, completely neglecting Wu Caiwei.
As someone who had experienced much of the world, Wu Caiwei was not bothered by such petty tactics. She was merely curious about the identity of the woman opposite her. Although the other woman concealed it well, every time she looked at Wu Caiwei, it was with a smug and scrutinizing gaze. She mentally sifted through everyone who might harbor animosity towards her. The only person who could speak with the Empress, besides Miss Yao, was no one else.
Seeing that the other woman always appeared so calm, Yao Feiyan was infuriated. Her eyes darted around, and she quickly stepped forward to introduce herself. "I presume the Crown Princess does not recognize me, but I have long heard of you and wished to befriend you. Today, I finally have the chance to meet. I am Yao Feiyan, the legitimate eldest daughter of the Yao family." As Yao Feiyan curtsied, she looked at Wu Caiwei with a challenging gaze, disbelieving that after all her efforts, she hadn't heard of it.
"So it is Miss Yao. It is a pleasure. I have long heard of Miss Yao, and meeting you today, you are indeed extraordinary." Wu Caiwei saw that the other woman had come to pick a fight so brazenly. Instead of getting angry, she felt a sense of pity for her. The Crown Prince didn't fancy her, yet she refused to retreat and instead came to trouble her. What was the point of this?