[Weibo: @Feng Yihe Ya]
The capital's notorious troublemaker, Princess Jing'an, had returned from the Western Desert.
They said the princess had changed her old spoiled, reckless ways and become much more well-behaved and sensible. Everyone eagerly awaited her return, wanting to see if she really had changed.
But just as Zhao Baoyu was getting ready to make a name for herself in the capital, she learned that her old friends had all become heirs to their respective houses, while the crown prince who had always clashed with her had become ruler of the realm.
Zhao Baoyu's response: "I... I'm not panicking."
-
Later, at the consort selection banquet, one noblewoman after another stepped forward to perform, but the man seated above them did not spare them so much as a glance. He was utterly indifferent.
Afterward, the Empress Dowager asked the emperor what he thought. He simply picked up the clumsy, crooked characters someone had written earlier and said nothing.
The Empress Dowager said, "Princess Jing'an is graceful and generous. I like her very much. Why not make her a consort, Your Majesty?"
At those words, Zhao Baoyu, who had been paying no attention, immediately tensed and looked over. The man replied, "That won't do."
Before Zhao Baoyu could fully relax, she met his teasing gaze. "Princess Jing'an is gentle, kind, and virtuous. She should be made empress."
"What?!"
#A proud-but-timid young lady x a dog of a man who says one thing and means another#
Theme: Companionship is the most enduring declaration of love.
