Chapter 165

Xiao Jingyuan said, then handed her the divorce letter he had promised.

Translation: Xiao Jingyuan said, then handed over the divorce letter he had promised her to Shen Shuangning.

Note: the phrase "the divorce letter he promised her" means the divorce letter he had promised her.

"Don't worry about any burden; I only want to give you this jade hairpin. If you won't take it, I'll just throw it away."

Translation: "Don't worry about it; I only want to give you this jade hairpin. If you refuse to accept it, I'll throw it away."

"How can you just discard something the emperor gave? That's ridiculous." Shen Shuangning frowned, thinking he was trying to force her to accept it.

Translation: "How can you just throw away something the Emperor bestowed? That's outright absurd." Shen Shuangning frowned, feeling he was trying to force her to accept it.

But when she met his gaze, she was suddenly startled by the seriousness in his eyes.

Translation: But when she met his gaze, she was startled by the seriousness in his eyes.

Shen Shuangning's fingers tightened slightly on the divorce letter, then she relaxed and said, "I'll accept it, but I haven't prepared a return gift for you."

Translation: Shen Shuangning's fingertips gripping the divorce letter tightened slightly, then she relented: "I'll accept it, but I haven't prepared a return gift for you."

"It's fine." Xiao Jingyuan smiled slightly, took her hand, and said, "May I ask if that hairpin is worthy enough for you to embroider a sachet for me by hand?"

Translation: "It's fine." Xiao Jingyuan smiled slightly, took her hand, and said, "May I ask you to embroider a sachet for me to match this hairpin?"

"Yes, but only after a few days."

Translation: "Sure, but I'll need a few days."

Xiao Jingyuan replied, "Okay."

Translation: Xiao Jingyuan answered with an "Okay."

Shen Shuangning lowered her head to examine the jade hairpin closely, and suddenly felt it was familiar.

Translation: Shen Shuangning lowered her head to examine the jade hairpin closely, and suddenly felt it was familiar.

Then she recalled: in her previous life, on their wedding night she had given him the Tongzhou sword; the next day he was summoned back to the northern border, and before leaving, someone sent him a jade hairpin, but without any explanation.

Translation: Then she recalled that in her previous life, on their wedding night she had given him the Tongzhou Sword, and the next day he was summoned back to the Northern Border; before leaving, someone sent him a jade hairpin, but without a word.

At the time she thought the hairpin wasn't a feminine ornament and had nothing special, so she assumed he was just placating her and put it deep in her jewelry box, never taking it out again.

Translation: At the time she thought this jade hairpin wasn't a woman's ornament and had nothing special about it, so she assumed he was just placating her and tucked it deep into her cosmetics case, never taking it out again.

Who would have thought it was actually a ceremonial crown hairpin personally bestowed by the emperor, of extraordinary significance.

Translation: Who would have thought it was actually a hairpin personally granted by the Emperor for his capping ceremony, of extraordinary significance.

Shen Shuangning's fingertips rubbed the auspicious cloud pattern on the hairpin's head, and her chest felt as if lightly struck by something, leaving a sore, aching sensation.

Translation: Shen Shuangning's fingertips rubbed the auspicious cloud pattern on the hairpin's head, her chest feeling as if lightly struck by something, both sour and astringent.

"In my previous life, why didn't you tell me this was important?"

Translation: "In my previous life, why didn't you tell me this was important?"

Xiao Jingyuan was stunned by her words, then solemnly said, "When I sent Qingfeng to give this to you, I instructed him to tell you that this is the crown hairpin I wore during my coming-of-age ceremony."

Translation: Xiao Jingyuan stared for a moment, then solemnly said: "When I sent Qingfeng to deliver this to you, I instructed him to tell you that this is the hairpin I wore during my capping ceremony."

Shen Shuangning raised her head, blinked, and said, "But he didn't tell me..."

Translation: Shen Shuangning raised her head, blinked, and said: "But he didn't tell me......"

Xiao Jingyuan immediately darkened his face.

Translation: Xiao Jingyuan immediately sank his face.

Seeing he was unhappy, Shen Shuangning hurried to smooth things over, saying, "Maybe he just forgot."

Translation: Seeing he was unhappy, Shen Shuangning hurried to smooth things over: "Maybe he just forgot."

Shen Shuangning herself didn't believe that.

Translation: She herself didn't believe those words.

Qingfeng had followed him for many years, truly his right-hand man, and always handled matters flawlessly; how could he possibly just forget?

Translation: Qingfeng has followed him for years; calling him his left and right hand is no exaggeration, and he always handles matters flawlessly—how could he possibly just forget?

Qingfeng clearly holds a grudge against her, so he deliberately did this.

Translation: Qingfeng clearly holds a grudge against her, which is why he did this on purpose.

However, that was all from her previous life; now times have changed, and Shen Shuangning really doesn't want Xiao Jingyuan to blame those around him for it.

Translation: Besides, that was all from her previous life; now times have changed, and Shen Shuangning truly does not want Xiao Jingyuan to blame those around him for it.

Shen Shuangning looked up at him gently and said, "Really, it's fine; don't pursue it. I'm a little hungry."

Translation: Shen Shuangning looked up at him gently: "Really, it's fine; don't pursue it. I'm a bit hungry."

When Xiao Jingyuan looked at her, the coldness in his brows and eyes melted like ice and snow, and he smiled, saying, "I knew you'd be hungry; I've already had food prepared for you."

Translation: When Xiao Jingyuan looked at her, the coldness in his brows and eyes melted like thawing ice and snow; he curled his lips in a smile and said: "I knew you'd be hungry—I've already had someone leave food for you."

Shen Shuangning had only intended to change the subject, but she hadn't expected him to be so thoughtful; her heart warmed a little, then he added, "You need to eat to have energy for other things, right?"

Translation: Shen Shuangning had only meant to change the subject, but she hadn't expected him to be so thoughtful; her heart warmed just a little, then she heard him add: "You need to eat full to have energy for other things, right?"

That warmth instantly turned into a blush creeping up her ears; Shen Shuangning blushed, lifted her foot, and gently kicked his shin, chiding, "Xiao Jingyuan!"

Translation: That warmth instantly turned into a blush creeping up her ears; Shen Shuangning flushed, lifted her foot, and lightly kicked his shin, chiding: "Xiao Jingyuan!"

The warning in her voice carried a hint of shyness, which only added to her charming playfulness.

Translation: The warning in her voice carried a touch of shyness, which only added to her endearing charm.

Even a beauty's angry pout is alluring; Xiao Jingyuan gazed at her, his smile deepening, and said, "Can't I even indulge a little craving?"

Translation: Even a beauty's pout is alluring; Xiao Jingyuan saw his smile deepen: "Can't I indulge a little craving?"

Shen Shuangning gave him a glare and turned her face away.

Translation: Shen Shuangning glared at him and turned her face aside.

"As for the prince, he's quite used to sweet-talking."

Translation: "As for the Heir Apparent, he's quite skilled at sweet-talk."

Xiao Jingyuan let out a low laugh; seeing her shy yet annoyed expression, which was vivid and adorable, he couldn't help leaning in to kiss her.

Translation: Xiao Jingyuan let out a low laugh; seeing her simultaneously shy and annoyed expression was truly lively and adorable, he couldn't help leaning in to kiss her.

Shen Shuangning, however, raised her hand to block his chest, her finely drawn brows slightly furrowed with a hint of disdain, turning her face away and saying, "You reek of alcohol; stay away from me."

Translation: Shen Shuangning, however, raised her hand to block his chest, her delicately painted brows slightly furrowed in distaste as she turned her face away: "You reek of alcohol—stay away from me."

Xiao Jingyuan insisted on not letting go, instead lowering his head and nuzzling her neck like a spoiled child, his nose brushing the sweet scent of her hair.

Translation: Xiao Jingyuan stubbornly refused to let go; instead he lowered his head, nuzzling her neck like a shameless rascal, his nose tinged with the sweet scent of her hair.

Even a strong-willed woman fears a man's clinginess; once a man gets shamelessly persistent, there's really nothing one can do.

Translation: Even a stalwart woman fears a man's clinginess; once a man gets shamelessly persistent, there's really nothing one can do.

As they were teasing each other, the sound of maid's footsteps came from outside, and a servant entered carrying a hot food box.

Translation: Just as they were teasing each other, footsteps of a maid sounded outside, and a servant entered carrying a steaming food box.

Only then did Xiao Jingyuan release her, but he didn't forget to take her hand and accompany her to sit at the table.

Translation: Only then did Xiao Jingyuan release her, but not before taking her hand and accompanying her to sit at the table.

Today's banquet was full of people toasting, and he actually hadn't eaten much.

Translation: At today's banquet, everyone was toasting, and he actually hadn't eaten much.

Shen Shuangning looked at the dishes on the table—steamed perch, jade-white mushroom soup, and her favorite osmanthus glutinous rice lotus root—all light and to her taste, realizing this certainly wasn't leftover banquet food; it must have been specially prepared in advance by Xiao Jingyuan.

Translation: Shen Shuangning looked at the dishes laid out on the table—steamed perch, jade-white jade soup, and her favorite osmanthus glutinous rice lotus root—all light fare to her taste, realizing this certainly wasn't leftover banquet food; it must have been specially prepared in advance by Xiao Jingyuan.

Xiao Jingyuan picked a piece of fish for her, watching her eat it bite by bite with sweet delight, and his usually cold quarters seemed to warm up.

Translation: Xiao Jingyuan picked a piece of fish for her; watching her eat it bite by bite, sweet and fragrant, his originally cool bedroom seemed to take on warmth.

He also ate a bit himself, occasionally glancing at her, his gaze full of tenderness that almost overflowed.

Translation: He also ate a bit himself, occasionally glancing at her, his gaze filled with tenderness that almost overflowed.

Aheng quietly leaned into Ahzhao's ear and whispered, "Don't you feel that the son-in-law and the miss are like an old married couple?"

Translation: A Heng leaned in to whisper to A Zhao: "Don't you think the uncle-in-law and the miss are like an old married couple?"

Ahzhao nodded.

Translation: A Zhao nodded.

Taking the opportunity, Xiao Jingyuan said, "As I mentioned before, I've established another residence beside the Duke's mansion, now fully repaired. You may stay in this prince's mansion if you wish, or live there if you prefer. I've already informed the prince and princess, so they won't give you trouble."

Translation: Taking the opportunity, Xiao Jingyuan said: "Last time I told you, I've established another residence beside the Duke's Manor, now fully repaired. You may stay in this prince's manor or move to that residence; I've already greeted the prince and princess, and they won't give you trouble."

Shen Shuangning's chopsticks paused mid-action as she lifted her eyes to him, her doubts growing stronger.

Translation: Shen Shuangning's chopsticks paused mid-dish; she lifted her eyes to him, her doubts growing stronger.

Since ancient times, it's been proper for a daughter-in-law to serve her parents-in-law; how could a newlywed wife be allowed to move out and live alone, with her in-laws raising no objection?

Translation: Since ancient times, a daughter-in-law serving her parents-in-law is natural and proper; how could a newlywed wife be allowed to move out and live alone right after entering the household, with the parents-in-law having no objections?

Even though the Prince Yan's mansion isn't as strict as ordinary noble households, it certainly doesn't allow such indulgence.

Translation: Even though the Prince Yan's Manor isn't as strict as ordinary aristocratic households, it certainly doesn't allow such indulgence.

Although Xiao Jingyuan's eyes were open and honest, this arrangement was overly thorough, as if he were secretly laying groundwork for something.

Translation: Although Xiao Jingyuan's eyes were open and frank, this arrangement was overly thorough, as if he were laying groundwork for something in advance.

"Are you hiding something from me?" Shen Shuangning asked.

Translation: "Are you hiding something from me?" Shen Shuangning asked.

Xiao Jingyuan's chopsticks paused slightly, then he nonchalantly served her a bowl of soup: "Nothing urgent. I just thought that since you've just moved into the prince's mansion, there are many rules, and I worried you might feel uncomfortable. That residence is near your parents' home, so if you miss home, you can easily go back for a visit, and it's more convenient."

Translation: Xiao Jingyuan's chopsticks paused slightly, then he nonchalantly served her a bowl of soup: "Nothing urgent. I just thought that since you've just moved in, the prince's manor has many rules, and I worried you'd feel uncomfortable. That residence is near your natal home, so if you miss home you can just walk back—it's more convenient."

"Xiao Jingyuan," she said, locking eyes with him, her tone turning serious, "we're already husband and wife—what can't we speak openly about? Your arrangements like this only make me uneasy."

Translation: "Xiao Jingyuan," she said, locking eyes with him, her tone turning serious, "we're already husband and wife—what can't we speak plainly about? This arrangement of yours only makes me uneasy."

Xiao Jingyuan looked at her for a moment before saying, "I'm not trying to hide anything from you; I just haven't figured this out myself yet. But rest assured, it won't involve you."

Translation: Xiao Jingyuan looked at her for a while before replying: "I'm not trying to hide anything from you; I just haven't sorted this matter out myself. But rest assured, it won't involve you."

Shen Shuangning pressed, "Then why not tell me? I can help you sort it out."

Translation: Shen Shuangning pressed: "Then why not tell me? I can help you sort it out."

Xiao Jingyuan picked up a piece of meat and used it to silence her: "Today is our wedding; I don't want to discuss this now. Can we talk about it tomorrow?"

Translation: Xiao Jingyuan stuffed a piece of meat into her mouth: "Today is our wedding; I don't want to discuss this now. Can we talk about it tomorrow?"

Shen Shuangning: "... Alright then."

Translation: Shen Shuangning: "... Alright then."

After eating and drinking their fill, Shen Shuangning had the maids prepare hot water; Xiao Jingyuan went first to bathe and wash up, while Aheng and Ahzhao helped her remove her makeup and change clothes.

Translation: After eating and drinking their fill, Shen Shuangning had the maid prepare hot water; Xiao Jingyuan went first to bathe and wash up, while A Heng and A Zhao helped her remove her makeup and change clothes.

While they were busy, Xiao Jingyuan behind the screen slightly furrowed his brow.

Translation: While they were busy, Xiao Jingyuan behind the screen slightly furrowed his brow.

His quarters originally had a few rough maids, but since he'd long been stationed at the northern frontier—where military life is brisk and he's unaccustomed to personal attendants—and his visits to the prince's mansion were few, those maids had been sent elsewhere by the steward, leaving only a few servants to handle chores.

Translation: His bedroom originally had a few rough-service maids, but since he had long been stationed at the Northern Border, where the military camp was orderly and he wasn't used to personal attendants, and his returns to the prince's manor were few, those maids had long been dispatched elsewhere by the steward, leaving only a few household servants to handle chores in the courtyard.

Now that he's married, the princess thinks the crown princess needs attendants nearby, so she has those maids transferred back.

Translation: Now that he's married, the princess thought the heir apparent's consort needed attendants, so she had those maids transferred back.

Just now, when Shen Shuangning had the maids prepare water, one of them stayed by the screen, intending to later attend to the prince as he wiped down and changed clothes.

Translation: Earlier, when Shen Shuangning had the maid prepare water, one of them stayed by the screen, intending to wait and serve the heir apparent when he washed and changed clothes.

Xiao Jingyuan had just taken off his outer robe when he lifted his eyes and saw an unfamiliar maid standing by the screen, her hands hanging at her sides, secretly glancing this way.

Step back. No need to serve here.

The maid froze for a moment, seemingly not expecting the heir to suddenly drive her away.

She wanted to say something, but Xiao Jingyuan's icy gaze made her heart jump; she hastily bowed and slipped out quietly.

Shen Shuangning outside the screen heard every sound clearly, and involuntarily glanced at the maid who had slunk away.

She remembered this person, named Cai Die. Originally a second-class maid beside the consort, perhaps because of that, she always had a faint air of arrogance and was not easy to manage.

Whatever task she was given, she always found an excuse to shirk it—either sick or tired, extremely lazy.

But whenever Xiao Jingyuan returned, she became extremely attentive, having two faces.

Shen Shuangning used to constantly worry that she was not doing well enough, lest she displease Xiao Jingyuan and the consort, and therefore dared not be too strict with the servants of the prince's mansion.

Especially someone like Cai Die, whose status was special—even if the other occasionally slacked off, she would just treat it as a minor matter and endure it. This led the servants of the prince's mansion to think that she, the heir's consort, had a soft nature and lacked dignity.

Sometimes when assigning chores, even the rough-work wet nurse would dare to obey superficially but defy secretly, let alone Cai Die, who already harbored petty thoughts, becoming ever more unscrupulous.

But now things are different.

She would not let anyone walk all over her.

Shen Shuangning said to Ah Heng: "That maid just now—let her come in to serve from now on."

Xiao Jingyuan finished his bath and saw Shen Shuangning by the bronze mirror, having taken off her wedding robes, her long hair flowing smoothly down her back. He stepped forward, without a word, scooped her up horizontally, and walked toward the tub.

Ah Heng and Ah Zhao exchanged a glance, then blushed and silently withdrew, leaving no one else in the room.