With her biological father Yin Tang tirelessly providing endless silver and stone materials without hesitation, the princess's residence was completed swiftly.
In midsummer, the pavilion already had multiple ice basins placed early on. Nearby, a group of maidservants diligently fanned cool breezes.
At the center of the pavilion, mother and daughter were chatting intimately as usual.
"So, Yu Ludai, have you decided it's him?"
Casually placing down the thick stack of portraits in her hand, An Ning couldn't help but find it amusing as she observed her daughter whose expression hadn't changed at all throughout.
With such a casual tone, one might think they were selecting objects rather than choosing a son-in-law!
Facing her mother's teasing, Yu Ludai remained completely unfazed, tossing aside a portrait in her hand. The eighteen-year-old girl was radiantly beautiful, appearing like the most brilliant scenery under the vast clear sky.
Yet her eyes lacked the shyness typical of boudoir maidens, her tone even more nonchalant:
"Since Father and Mother have brought these candidates before me, their family backgrounds and characters must be acceptable. In that case, shouldn't I just pick the most pleasing to the eye?"
Most importantly, he wasn't annoying and had no messy interpersonal entanglements.
She had no desire to end up like Third Sister, constantly dealing with troublesome people.
Given free time, she'd rather paint more pictures with Mother or go horseback riding in the suburbs!
As for romantic feelings? Apologies—having witnessed her cousins' miserable marriages since childhood, Yu Ludai had no such notions in her mind!
"Enough, Mother, let's not talk about this." As if remembering something, Yu Ludai quickly became enthusiastic again:
"Earlier Father mentioned my princess residence will be completed soon. When it's done, I'll reserve the largest courtyard for you."
"When you get tired of your own residence or find Father's constant nagging unbearable, you can just come stay with me!"
"You!" An Ning tapped her precious daughter's forehead amusedly. "Aren't you afraid your father might hear this...?"
After all, when their daughter had complained about his chattiness recently, her dear husband had privately sulked for quite a while.
The young girl playfully covered her mouth—it was just that Father had been particularly talkative lately!
Watching her cunningly smiling daughter, An Ning's gaze deepened momentarily:
How could she not understand the thoughts of the daughter she'd raised herself?
Yet she simply tapped the girl's forehead smilingly without any intention to correct her. In this era, from commoner women to princesses, too many tragic examples existed.
Maintaining one's true self was always best.
At least her daughter had never lacked so-called "love" since childhood!
Having servants clear away the stack of portraits, mother and daughter soon became engrossed in discussing the future residence's layout.
"This central area should have a lake, and here—what do you think of a bamboo garden, Yu Ludai...?"
"Mother's taste is truly the best! The whole residence looks so much more beautiful !"
Far more beautiful than the design draft cousin had previously drawn for her. Hehe... Mother understands me best indeed!
Once the selection was finalized, not to mention how irritable old father Yin Tang became recently, even An Ning had the system thoroughly investigate General Guwalgiya multiple times to confirm no issues. Only then did the household begin preparing for the wedding.
Just before the imperial marriage decree, Hongxi specially summoned his cousin to the palace.
In the Hall of Mental Cultivation
After some casual conversation where Hongxi noticed Yu Ludai's unchanged attitude throughout, his expression finally showed more ease.
As if remembering something, he gazed intently at her increasingly radiant smile, his eyes darkening momentarily before resuming his usual demeanor. Lightly twirling a chess piece, he said with a faint smile:
"So, you're this happy about the upcoming marriage? I suppose you're quite satisfied with your future son-in-law?"
After a brief pause of realization, Yu Ludai elegantly rolled her eyes and casually placed a black piece:
"Didn't I just tell you, cousin—my residence is nearly completed! Oh right..." Seeming to recall something, she suddenly looked somewhat embarrassed, stealing a glance at her cousin:
"Um... I modified quite a lot of the design plans you previously gave me. You won't be angry, will you?"
After all, he had enthusiastically helped with the designs earlier.
"Why would I be? Your residence should naturally suit your preferences best."
"Though this does make me rather curious..."
What a pity it's not easy for cousin to leave the palace now!
Thinking of his recent busyness, Yu Ludai secretly smiled while sipping the tea offered by a palace maid.
A trace of amusement also flashed through Hongxi's eyes.
After most of the chess game passed, Yu Ludai thought he wouldn't revisit the earlier topic, but today he seemed particularly talkative:
"As a noble imperial princess, your status is exalted. Even your future son-in-law is merely a servant. Don't ever tolerate any grievances, cousin."
"If he fails to serve you well in the future, just come to the palace—I'll uphold justice for you."
The use of "serve"... Yu Ludai curiously studied him, recalling Third Sister's circumstances, her gaze darkening slightly:
"Cousin, did you say the same to Third Sister before?"
Now it was Hongxi's turn to pause briefly before responding: "Rest assured, now that I've ascended the throne, regarding Third Sister's situation—I'll make the Fucha clan understand their place."
The majesty of an emperor became particularly evident in that moment. Yu Ludai's expression softened as she smilingly bowed:
"Then Princess Heyi shall first thank cousin on Third Sister's behalf!"
Clearly observing her changing expressions, Hongxi's eyes flickered—so her previous awkwardness stemmed from this.
Indeed, Third Sister's marriage had paved his way... His gaze darkened momentarily at the thought of the Fucha clan.
"But speaking of which, since he's your trusted subordinate, if I truly bully him later, can cousin really always take my side?"
Playing with a white jade chess piece, Yu Ludai unusually blinked mischievously.
The response was his rare, unrestrained laughter:
"He's just a servant—how could he compare to you? Even if disposed of immediately, I wouldn't bat an eye!"
Trusted subordinates? He had plenty! Capable individuals were as numerous as carps in a river. Had this man's background not been exceptionally clean, he would never have...
Watching her perpetually sunny smile, Hongxi's gaze shifted before he slowly placed his white jade piece.
Sure enough, her smile brightened even more the next moment:
"Hehe, it seems I've won this game, Imperial Brother!"