Jiang Yuchao had thought that once she arrived at her beloved's territory, life would definitely be better than before, but she never imagined it would be this much better! This was practically heaven.

She no longer had to endure the mutual disdain during meetings with Madam Xiao every other day, or occasionally put on a show of filial piety with Prime Minister Xiao, like she did at the Prime Minister's manor. There were no elders in Prince Yuling's manor, nor were there any old servants constantly watching over the mistress to ensure she practiced proper etiquette. Life was very carefree.

The prince's manor was so vast that she no longer had to stay cooped up in a small courtyard all day like she did at Mingyue Monastery. The mansion was big enough to go horseback riding. It took her beloved idol three days to show her around and get a rough idea of the layout. In other words, if she got lost in some corner, it would be no exaggeration for her idol to go searching for her on horseback.

According to the customs of the royal mansions in this era, the master and mistress had their own separate courtyards. So aside from the wedding night, the two did not live together, but rather resided in the front and back courtyards.

In between was a small central courtyard with landscaping. They were not far apart, just a two to three minute walk, and connected by halls and corridors. With only two masters in the mansion, they did not sleep together, but ate together, and occasionally went for walks and chats together.

This relationship left the people in Prince Yuling's manor baffled. They had been overjoyed when they saw their master marry the princess, thinking that within a year, there would be a young master born in the mansion. Who would have thought that these two got along so well, yet the prince did not go to the princess's quarters to sleep at all, still staying in his own room alone as before.

But the two did not seem to have a falling out either, laughing and talking merrily together, looking quite blissful.

The old head servant wondered if perhaps the couple was too shy due to their tender age. So he discreetly inquired with his master, asking if there were any unspeakable difficulties.

Xi Zhuoyu calmly and composedly hugged his dog. "No, there aren't any."

Seeing this approach didn't work, he had the old maidservant in charge of internal affairs quietly ask the princess. The result was that the princess was also completely unperturbed, saying, "It's fine, all is well."

As the princess, she would prepare gifts to send back to her maiden home, but she herself would not return. Jiang Yuchao naturally had no desire to go back.

After entering Prince Yuling's manor for a few days, she had even forgotten which way the Prime Minister's manor's door opened. But there were still people in the Prime Minister's manor who thought of her.

Xiao Jinyue's brother, Xiao Yunqi, came to Prince Yuling's manor half a month after the wedding. He was originally considered one of Xi Zhuoyu's friends, and now he had also become a brother-in-law, so naturally he received an exceptional welcome. Xi Zhuoyu and Jiang Yuchao even accompanied him for a meal.

Xiao Yunqi was very worried that his sister would have an unhappy time after remarrying. Now that he had seen her in person, her rosy complexion put his heart slightly at ease.

However, as he observed the two of them, they seemed to lack the intimate affection of newlyweds. Their relationship appeared quite good, occasionally exchanging jokes. The key was that the two of them were too frank and natural. Was this how lovers interacted?

Just as he was secretly worrying, Jiang Yuchao mentioned a new dish on the table during the meal. "I've never had this dish before. The flavor is very refreshing. It can be grown in winter too. The manor also has a corner where a greenhouse was built to grow winter vegetables. Brother took me to see it."

Xiao Yunqi: "......?" What? When did I ever take my sister to see it? I don't even know about it myself.

He was completely baffled. On the other side, Xi Zhuoyu very naturally nodded and said, "Actually, there's another area in the mansion where a greenhouse was set up to grow some other things. The people tending to it were all transferred from the imperial farm. Next time I'll take you to see it."

Jiang Yuchao said in surprise, "What? Brother, didn't you already show me around all parts of the mansion? How can there still be places I don't know about?"

Xi Zhuoyu laughed, "I only showed you the general areas. There are still many little surprises to discover slowly."

Listening to their back-and-forth, Xiao Yunqi finally understood. The "brother" his sister referred to in her words was addressing His Highness Prince Yuling. No, wait, why was his sister calling someone else "brother"? Did his existence as her biological brother not matter?

"Jinyue, why are you calling Prince Yuling 'brother'?" Xiao Yunqi couldn't help but voice his doubts.

Jiang Yuchao and Xi Zhuoyu's movements paused at the same time. In an instant, they realized - oh no! They had forgotten that her biological brother was here listening!

One of them was too used to calling him "brother", while the other had such a deep impression of his old fan Jiang Yuchao that he always forgot she was now Xiao Jinyue. The two of them looked at each other, at a loss for words.

However, Xiao Yunqi suddenly smiled in relief amid the silence. "It's fine, it seems I don't need to worry."

This form of address was probably an intimate quirk between the husband and wife. He had been concerned that there were issues in their relationship, but now it appeared he had overthought it.

Jiang Yuchao: "......" No matter what this biological brother was thinking, it definitely wasn't what he thought. But who cares.

Xi Zhuoyu: "......" When you don't know what to say, just smile.

After sending off the satisfied and friendly faction's Brother Xiao, the next day brought the arrival of several princes from the neutral chaotic and chaotic evil factions, including Prince Yu.

These few princes openly came to Prince Yuling's manor, saying they wanted to gather as brothers, and even brought gifts - several beauties.

"I heard that when the princess entered the mansion, she didn't bring many concubines as part of her dowry. So, we brothers are here to send Zhuoyu a few beautiful concubines." Prince Hao had the face of a kind old man, very amiable.

Prince Yin had a sharp and sour appearance, and even his words seemed to carry a hint of sarcasm. "This Princess Consort really has a strong jealous streak. I've never heard of a princess entering a mansion without bringing her own concubines, and not even arranging a few beautiful concubines to attend to her husband. What kind of nonsense is this."

Prince Yuling said, "It's simply that I don't want any."

The youngest Seventh Prince said teasingly, "Is it really that Brother Yu doesn't want any? Or is Brother Yu afraid of displeasing the new sister-in-law princess, and deliberately saying this?"

The Sixth Prince watched the commotion, not minding stirring up trouble. He took the initiative to provoke, "How formidable this sister-in-law princess is, why not ask Third Brother? After all, she was once Third Brother's princess too. Third Brother, did she also stop you from taking concubines back then?"

Prince Yu snorted in laughter and waved his hand, also calling up a few beautiful concubines. "I also prepared a few beautiful concubines. Each beauty here is more skilled than the last at attending to people."

In this era, it was legal for men of high status to have many concubines. Unlike the main wife, concubines were considered private property, no different from a vase or a painting.

Xi Zhuoyu didn't want any before, and the Emperor didn't force him. But now that he had married the Princess, everyone assumed he was also willing to accept concubines. Whether it was like Prince Hao who wanted to get closer, or Prince Yu who wanted to stir up trouble, they all sent beauties without prior agreement.

The six beauties standing there were like a fragrant breeze, especially the four sent by Prince Yu, each with enchanting eyes.

Xi Zhuoyu was the least adept at dealing with these matters. He sighed, having no choice, and called the attendant to instruct, "Go invite the Princess." He thought of the Princess as his capable assistant, meant to help him handle these issues. Thinking of Jiang Yuchao's combat power, Xi Zhuoyu wasn't worried at all.

The other princes were a bit stunned when they heard him say this. The Sixth Prince awkwardly rubbed his head, "Bro, the few of us brothers are talking, why are you calling the Princess over? If she sees these beauties, will she be happy?"

"That's right, Xi Zhuoyu, these beauties are our heartfelt gesture. Quickly enjoy them before the Princess finds out. Once she knows, will you be able to keep them?" Prince Hao advised with the air of an experienced person.

Xi Zhuoyu was about to speak when he heard footsteps behind him and closed his mouth again. Well, she was here, no need for him to handle it personally.

The reason Jiang Yuchao came so quickly was that she had been waiting outside early on. Not to mention the other princes, just Prince Yu alone, she felt he definitely didn't come here with good intentions and might try to harm her idol. How could she leave her idol alone in such a treacherous environment? Impossible.

At this moment, she walked in with poise and speed, exchanging a glance with her idol.

Xi Zhuoyu: "..." Good work.

Jiang Yuchao: "..." Don't worry, baby, I'm here. No one can bully or force you.

She gave a slight smile to the princes and then said, "Whoever brought these beauties, take them back. Next time, if you don't have beauties better-looking than my lord, don't bring them."

The princes: "??" So direct?

The Seventh Prince stammered a bit, "Pr-Princess Consort, this, there are no beauties more good-looking than Brother Yu."

Jiang Yuchao: "They all can't compare to my lord in looks. Sending them over isn't taking advantage of my lord? How can this be?"

"That's not how it works. Which man doesn't love beautiful concubines?" Prince Yin snorted, "You say this kind of thing as soon as you arrive. Seems you're also a jealous shrew. The Xiao family taught you well, no wonder..." He glanced at Prince Yu, his unspoken words self-evident.

Jiang Yuchao lightly clapped her hands. "Bravo. How clever, making such veiled insults. Prince Yin has such good upbringing. I'm truly inferior. However, as for beautiful concubines, while ordinary men may love them, is our lord an ordinary man? Of course not, so naturally he won't fancy ordinary beauties."

Prince Yin: "Heh, according to you, since he fancies you, you're not an ordinary beauty?"

Jiang Yuchao: "Of course. Can an ordinary beauty be the Princess Consort twice?"

Prince Yin was stumped by her retort and said angrily, "A woman being so overbearing, is this a place for you to speak?"

Jiang Yuchao smiled and turned to the Seventh Prince, asking amiably, "Seventh Prince, what did you call me just now?"

The Seventh Prince shrank back, feeling this sister-in-law was a bit scary. He sheepishly replied, "Princess Consort..."

Jiang Yuchao: "And what place is this?"

Seventh Prince: "Prince Yuling's manor."

Jiang Yuchao: "Alright, this is Prince Yuling's manor, and I am the Princess Consort. The situation is clear. Of course I can speak. But I'll remember not to say much next time I visit Prince Yin's manor, and I won't act like the mistress of Prince Yin's manor. Please rest assured, Prince Yin."

After a barrage of her retorts, Prince Yin put down his cup and left in a huff, his face dark.

Seeing him leave angrily, Xi Zhuoyu was still examining the patterns on the cup in his hand, with no intention of stopping him. His position didn't require much currying favor with the other princes. Keeping a distance was for the best.

He sometimes found the princes other than the Seventh Prince quite annoying, but due to his personality, he couldn't bring himself to drive away guests or say unpleasant words.

He had to admit, listening to his fan verbally spar was quite satisfying.

With Prince Yin gone, Prince Hao sighed. With the face of an honest man, he looked quite harmless. He said to Jiang Yuchao, "We're all one family. Fifth Brother's words are unpleasant. Why bicker with him?"

Jiang Yuchao: "Hahaha, Prince Hao is joking. When did I bicker with him? After all, he didn't send beauties to my lord. I was just casually chatting."

"I'm a straightforward person. I speak directly and easily offend others. Prince Hao sent two beauties that I rejected on behalf of my lord, but I don't see you getting angry. Prince Yin has quite the temper. It mustn't be easy for you to get along with him, Prince Hao?"

Somehow dragged into the topic of brotherly relations, Prince Hao muttered, "Uh, it's alright. Fifth Brother is just a bit harsh."

Jiang Yuchao: "Someone as good-tempered as Prince Hao says Prince Yin is harsh, then he must be unpleasant. Even Prince Hao with such a good temper can't tolerate him. Next time we meet, I must tell him what Prince Hao said, so he can restrain his temper."

Prince Hao quickly said, "I didn't say he was bad. He's just still young."

Jiang Yuchao immediately got a pastry for the Seventh Prince and praised him, "Seventh Prince is so sensible. How many years younger is Seventh Prince than Prince Yin?"

The Seventh Prince ate the pastry without a care, "Seven years younger."

Jiang Yuchao: "Wow, still a child. Even children know it's not good to randomly throw tantrums in someone else's home."

Prince Hao: "..." If this continued, rumors might spread that he didn't get along with Prince Yin. He also hurriedly took his leave with the two beauties.

Only Prince Yu and the Sixth and Seventh Princes remained.