Chapter 13: You Think You’re Worthy?

The Crown Princess was exceptionally diligent about visiting her maternal home. Rumor had it that this was because she remained filial and humble despite her newfound wealth and status.

Mo Ruyan seized every chance to slip into Aunt Qing’s small courtyard, eager to learn more about the arts of the chamber from her. Although she had successfully aligned herself with Lady Leng, now that she held the title of Crown Princess, there was no longer any need to cling to a mere family matron like her. Besides, the things she wished to learn might not be willingly taught by Lady Leng; it was far more practical to learn from her own aunt.

As a newlywed, Mo Ruyan’s complexion looked quite good, her delicate face flushed with a shy, rosy glow—like a flower just beginning to bloom—eliciting both envy and jealousy from Aunt Qing.

“Aunt, the Crown Prince has still been visiting other women these past few days. Help me think of a way! I’ve already tried all the tricks you taught me before, and the Prince was intrigued for a while, but once there was nothing new, he went back to those other women’s chambers,” Mo Ruyan confided.

Hearing her beloved daughter’s troubles, Aunt Qing had long anticipated this, though she hadn’t expected the Crown Prince’s affections to change so swiftly. After all, her daughter was now the most beautiful woman in Huanlan.

It seemed the Crown Prince’s nature was indeed unruly, and there was only one way forward.

Aunt Qing glanced cautiously about to ensure no one was eavesdropping before leaning close to Mo Ruyan’s ear. Whispering conspiratorially, she slipped a small packet from the sleeve of her robe into Mo Ruyan’s hand.

“Wait until the Crown Prince comes to your room, then secretly use this. He’ll not only stay overnight but will favor you many times over… From then on, he will listen only to you.”

…

“Mistress, the eldest young lady has arrived. She wishes to pay her respects!” a maid’s voice suddenly rang from outside, startling the two conspirators into hurried retreat. Mo Ruyan nervously tucked her hand back into her sleeve. Though she hadn’t caught every word, anyone who had done something secretive would feel a pang of fear.

Aunt Qing, ever vigilant, paused upon hearing the announcement. Eldest young lady? Wasn’t the eldest young lady already here in this residence? Her own daughter was here—so who else could this be?

Her eyes darted quickly. After straightening her appearance, she took her seat in the main chair and sipped her tea to mask her unease. “Send her in.”

No sooner had she spoken than the door creaked open, and in stepped a barefoot young woman dressed simply and elegantly. Behind her followed a man in silver robes, his face concealed by a purple crescent-shaped mask.

Aunt Qing, upon seeing the young woman’s face, frowned slightly in puzzlement. She didn’t recognize this lady. “May I ask who you are, miss?”

Mo Ruyan, pretending to be haughty beside her mother, saw that this newcomer was even more beautiful than herself. Annoyed, she immediately sought to humiliate her. Holding herself with an imperious air, she snapped, “Are you blind? Bow to me at once!”

Aunt Qing was somewhat surprised by her daughter’s insolence, but instead of intervening, she chose to observe quietly. After all, this courtyard belonged to her. No matter whose daughter had come, once inside, they must abide by her rules.

Now that her daughter was the Crown Princess, it was only natural to demand such a courtesy.

The barefoot young woman was none other than Mo Liuli. Hearing this imposter dare to lord over her, she laughed mockingly. With graceful steps, she approached Mo Ruyan and looked down coldly, “You want me to bow? And just who do you think you are to deserve that?”