Xiang Rui also respectfully bowed to Song Chaoyu as the Emperor spoke, "Xiang Rui greets Princess Chang, may you be well."
Xiang Rui, who served by the Emperor's side, naturally possessed good looks. Though she appeared a bit older, her demeanor and actions were filled with propriety.
The Emperor waved his hand at Xiang Rui, "Go. From now on, you will serve closely by the side of Prince Chang and Princess Chang!"
"Yes."
Xiang Rui lowered her head and stood behind Song Chaoyu. While she appeared docile and obedient, Song Chaoyu knew that this was merely the Emperor's spy placed before them.
The Emperor insisted on assigning such a person during their wedding, perhaps harboring suspicions about Mu Changxi already? Otherwise, he would have assigned someone to Prince Chang's manor from the moment Mu Changxi returned to the capital.
In the Emperor's heart, he likely wished for Mu Changxi to be a carefree prince, not involved in court affairs.
After all, Prince Chang had grown up in the Southern Kingdom. No matter how much guilt or affection the Emperor felt towards him, he absolutely could not allow him to be entangled in court politics.
Indeed, emperors have always been heartless.
If that were the case, why insist on entrusting Mu Changxi with the disaster relief efforts this time?
A strange feeling suddenly arose in Song Chaoyu's heart.
Could it be... Mu Changxi himself asked for it?
Currently, Prince Wen was available in the capital, but Prince Wen's stance was unclear. He neither favored the Crown Prince nor showed loyalty to Prince Ning.
If the Crown Prince could not go, then Prince Ning could not go either. Otherwise, it was feared that the disaster victims in Haizhou would further deepen their resentment towards the imperial court.
Therefore, at this critical juncture, Mu Changxi had no choice but to take on this task.
It was for the Crown Prince, and more importantly, for the people of Haizhou.
Naturally, it also invited the Emperor's suspicion.
Once Song Chaoyu understood this matter, she realized she could not refuse the Emperor as she had refused the Empress Dowager.
If they could not lie low at this moment, they also could not let the Emperor see too clearly.
In any case, the Emperor had not specified how Xiang Rui was to be handled after she was brought back.
Song Chaoyu happily knelt before the Emperor, "Thank you, Father Emperor, for your concern for Prince Chang. This concubine is eternally grateful!"
The Emperor had expected Song Chaoyu to find another way to refuse.
To his surprise, she joyfully accepted Xiang Rui, making the Emperor momentarily think that perhaps he shouldn't believe the rumors from outside.
Thus, the Emperor waved to Song Chaoyu, "Alright, you may return and prepare. Xiang Rui has served by my side for over ten years; she is proper and sensible. She will take good care of Prince Chang. If she makes any mistakes, you may inform me, and I will punish her!"
Song Chaoyu understood. This was the Emperor giving Xiang Rui a "death-exempt token"!
If Xiang Rui truly made any mistakes, she, as Princess Chang, could not do anything to her. The Emperor himself would have to punish her.
Xiang Rui possessed such great capabilities!
As Song Chaoyu walked out of the imperial city with Xiang Rui, Xiang Rui followed closely behind Song Chaoyu, not saying a word.
Until Song Chaoyu spoke first, "You served by the Emperor's side for many years, so how old are you now?"
In truth, Xiang Rui only appeared older than the palace maids. Xiang Rui respectfully answered Song Chaoyu, "This servant is twenty-five this year. I was supposed to be released from the palace last year, but the Emperor felt I served well, so he kept me for another year."
Song Chaoyu nodded, "With you by the side of my Prince and myself now, we can finally feel at ease!"
"Yes, this servant will certainly serve the Prince and Princess well."
Xiang Rui kept her head lowered the entire time, appearing obedient.
This made Song Chaoyu realize that she was not someone easy to deal with!
If they could live in peace in the manor, it would be fine. But if she were to cause any trouble, all their future actions would likely be under the Emperor's watchful eye.
—
Mu Changxi left the palace earlier than Song Chaoyu and knew that the Emperor had summoned her.
He had naturally seen Xiang Rui before. Now, seeing Xiang Rui following behind Song Chaoyu, Mu Changxi in the carriage frowned and turned to Xiao Ruizi, "What does this mean?"
Xiao Ruizi did not immediately understand, "Your Highness means... the Princess Consort, or Xiang Rui?"
Mu Changxi glared at Xiao Ruizi, "Who do you think?"
"Oh!"
Xiao Ruizi finally realized, "You mean the Princess Consort? The Emperor has long intended to bestow Xiang Rui upon you. Now he is pressuring the Princess Consort. Do you still expect the Princess Consort to defy the imperial decree?"
Mu Changxi knew this in his heart.
But for some reason, seeing the little woman before him calmly walk over with Xiang Rui, he felt a sourness in his heart.
When Song Chaoyu got into the carriage, Xiang Rui also bowed to Mu Changxi.
Mu Changxi's eyes turned cold, and he looked at Song Chaoyu, "What is going on? We are newlyweds, and everyone is trying to send women to this prince?"
These words showed no regard for Xiang Rui, making her feel awkward.
Song Chaoyu could see that he was genuinely angry.
She quickly smiled and said, "What are you talking about? Don't bully Miss Xiang Rui like this! She served by the Emperor's side for many years, and now the Emperor, out of his affection for us, has specifically assigned her to take care of you! You should be grateful to Father Emperor and Miss Xiang Rui. Why are you saying such vulgar words? You mustn't ruin Miss Xiang Rui's reputation!"
The implication in her words was that Xiang Rui was still a servant and would not enter Prince Chang's inner courtyard.
Hearing this, Xiang Rui also looked up in surprise.
But she met Song Chaoyu's smiling face, "Miss Xiang Rui, don't you think this is the case? The Emperor cherishes you so much, how could he bear to let you become someone else's concubine?"
Seeing Song Chaoyu's innocent and cheerful smile, which seemed to hold no malice, Xiang Rui could not possibly tell them that she was here to be a concubine.
Mu Changxi suddenly understood Song Chaoyu's meaning, and his previous anger vanished completely.
"Get up quickly!"
He also smiled at Xiang Rui, "I never thought Father Emperor cared for me so much as to send you to serve by my side. Rest assured! The Princess Consort is a very good-natured person. If you are ever unsure of anything in the manor, feel free to ask the Princess Consort."
With their husband and wife acting in concert, they had settled Xiang Rui's status.
Xiang Rui could not say much more and could only silently get out of the carriage and walk alongside it.
As soon as she got out of the carriage, Mu Changxi pulled Song Chaoyu towards him—
Before Song Chaoyu could even react, her entire body fell into Mu Changxi's embrace!
She pushed Mu Changxi and whispered, "What are you doing?"
Mu Changxi leaned down to Song Chaoyu's ear and gently bit her delicate earlobe, "If you ever casually bring another woman into the manor next time, see how I punish you!"