Harem Daily Life

Chapter 1103 Charming and Coquettish, She Can Also Be the Crown Princess

He Yucheng and Duan Chaopei decided to stay for lunch, and the other concubines gradually took their leave, finally bringing peace and quiet to Changle Palace.

"That's just how Consort Liang talks, don't take it to heart," Tao Yanyan said with a smile, looking at Duan Chaopei and offering words of comfort.

Duan Chaopei smiled and said, "Your Majesty, I understand."

Tao Yanyan's gaze darted back and forth between the two, finding them increasingly well-matched. However, her son's cold face was truly irritating, so Tao Yanyan sent He Yucheng to the study to read, while she took Duan Chaopei on a tour of Chang Le Palace.

This was Duan Chaopei's first time entering the inner palace. Chang Le Palace wasn't large, nor was it in the best location in the palace, but its various ornaments and artifacts were of the finest quality. She was very careful as she passed by, afraid that she might accidentally knock over those priceless treasures.

From these objects, Duan Chaopei could also see the Empress's esteemed status, and became even more convinced of the rumors circulating outside that the Emperor favored the Empress above all others.

She couldn't help but raise her eyes to take a closer look at the Empress. To be so beautiful, the Empress's favor was truly well-deserved.

“She’s getting older. Ten years ago, she would definitely have looked even better than she does now.” Tao Yanyan seemed to be able to read Duan Chaopei’s mind, guessing through his thoughts.

Duan Chaopei looked somewhat embarrassed and explained, "It was my rudeness. I was so captivated by Mother that I stared at her in a daze. I hope Mother will forgive me."

Tao Yan smiled and said, "It's alright. I'm used to all kinds of looks. Besides, it's human nature to like looking at beautiful women. I also enjoy looking at you."

With just one sentence, Duan Chaopei's relationship with her mother-in-law improved considerably, and she felt much more at ease.

“You don’t need to be so reserved. Now that you are the Crown Prince, you are the master of this palace. All the concubines in the harem must respect you. There’s no need to be so cautious.” Tao Yanyan sat down in a pavilion, and Duan Chaopei thought for a moment and then sat down next to her.

“Yu Nuo is a year older than you, and she is more lively than you. At your age, you should be youthful, lively, bright and outgoing. Don’t worry that Yu Cheng will not like you, and you don’t need to deliberately pretend to be dignified. There is no rule that the Crown Princess has to be dignified and majestic. You can also be charming and coquettish and be a Crown Princess.”

Duan Chaopei was taken aback. At home, her mother had always trained her with various rules, which had indeed made her into the kind of woman that everyone admired. She never expected that on the second day of her marriage, her mother-in-law would tell her that being a crown princess could also be bright and flamboyant.

"When you can act as sweetly as Yinuo and fawn over me, you'll understand what I'm saying today." Just then, a melodious bell rang out from nearby. He Yinuo, dressed in a pale yellow jacket, skipped over and greeted Duan Chaopei with a bright smile: "Fourth Sister-in-law." She then hugged Tao Yanyan's shoulder sweetly: "Mother, Mother, you said that once Fourth Sister-in-law entered the palace, you would divide half of the imperial property for her to manage. Can I take Fourth Sister-in-law out to familiarize herself with the business today?"

Since Su Xing was chosen to be the Crown Prince's concubine, she was busy preparing for the wedding, embroidering her own wedding dress, and elevating her status by moving and learning court etiquette. He Yinuo didn't allow Su Xing to interfere in matters of the imperial property. He Yinuo managed to hold out for half a year, enlisting the help of He Xiaobao and He Xiaoliu, but it wasn't a long-term solution. Now that a new helper had arrived, He Yinuo certainly wouldn't let her pass.

Upon hearing this, Duan Chaopei realized that the royal property was the source of income for the entire royal family, and it was not something a daughter-in-law like her could handle. She quickly declined, saying, "Fifth Sister, you flatter me too much. How could I be competent to manage the royal property? If you are too busy, I will assist you. Everything should be done according to your wishes."

He Yinuo pouted and looked at Tao Yanyan: "Then what do you say, Mother?"

Tao Yanyan pinched He Yinuo's cheek: "All you ever think about is quitting. Learn from your second sister-in-law. She never quits."

He Yinuo continued to hold Tao Yanyan and sway her back and forth, calling out, "Mother~"

Tao Yan smiled and looked at Duan Chaopei: "Now that you've married into the family, it's time for you to share some of the responsibilities of these businesses. Starting tomorrow, you can learn from Yu Nuo and gradually get the hang of it."

Duan Chaopei, having gained immense trust, quickly expressed his gratitude: "Since Mother is willing to train me and my sister is willing to teach me, I will naturally study hard and live up to Mother's expectations."

He Yinuo chuckled: "My little sister-in-law, we're all family, you don't need to be so careful with your words."

Teased by her younger sister, who was a year older than her, Duan Chaopei blushed even more. The three of them laughed together, a sight witnessed by He Yucheng, who had come in to call them for dinner. Had the Crown Princess really won over her mother and sister so quickly?

This was Duan Chaopei's first time dining at Chang Le Palace, and the table full of dishes was incredibly tempting. She had eaten a little breakfast before leaving home that morning, and was now starving. With such colorful and delicious food laid out before her, she looked around and waited for Tao Yanyan to bring her bowl before she began to eat.

However, she only ate the food in front of her and didn't touch the dishes further away, even though the roast chicken in the distance was emitting a fragrant aroma that whetted her appetite.

He Yucheng's dining was a delight to behold; he ate slowly and deliberately, taking only two bites of each dish at most.

He Yinuo and He Yucheng are two extremes. Watching He Yinuo eat makes one's appetite soar and one can't help but eat an extra bowl.

Seeing that Duan Chaopei was still reserved, Tao Yanyan gave Xianglan a wink. Xianglan immediately stepped forward and moved the dishes on the table, and the roast chicken was instantly placed in front of Duan Chaopei.

She quickly picked up a piece and finally got to eat the crispy on the outside and tender on the inside chicken with its fragrant aroma.

Before she knew it, Duan Chaopei had finished her bowl of rice. Watching He Yinuo add more rice, Duan Chaopei thought for a moment and then remained silent.

Tao Yanyan gave Xianglan a wink, and Xianglan then scooped up some rice for Duan Chaopei.

"Please have another bowl, Your Highness, and stay and eat with our Fifth Princess for a while longer," Xianglan said with a smile.

Upon hearing this, He Yinuo shifted her gaze from the food to Duan Chaopei and said, "Fourth Sister-in-law, don't be shy. You're so thin, you should eat more."

He Yucheng's eyebrows twitched slightly. Was he thin? He seemed thin where he should be, and quite plump where he should be.

He Yucheng realized what he was thinking, and the tips of his ears turned red.

Emerging from Chang Le Palace, Duan Chaopei patted her full stomach, a hint of shame on her face. For over a decade, her mother had taught her how much to eat, but today she had completely broken those rules, tripling her usual portion size in one meal. It was all because the food at Chang Le Palace was too delicious; even using the same ingredients, how could the small kitchen there prepare such a visually appealing and fragrant meal?