Shen Lianxiang is a young widow who lost her husband six months prior. With no family support and a toddler to raise, she relies on her cousin, Lady Song, for employment. Lady Song, a favored concubine of Prince Zhenguo, recommends Lianxiang to serve as a wet nurse for the Prince’s infant brother, the Little Prince. Lianxiang accepts the position with the hope of securing a stable future for her own child. The Little Prince is the youngest son of the Emperor and Empress, born while the imperial couple was traveling. He is deeply cherished by his elder brothers, particularly Prince Zhenguo, who serves as his guardian in Guangling.
The story begins at Lingyan Temple during the Dragon Boat Festival. Due to the intense summer heat, Lianxiang becomes drenched in sweat while carrying the crying infant. Mistakenly guided into Prince Zhenguo’s private meditation room, she finds herself in a precarious situation. With no water available and the baby starving, she expresses milk into a teacup to feed him. Prince Zhenguo enters unexpectedly and witnesses her state of undress and the intimate act of feeding. He initially suspects her of attempting to seduce him to climb the social ladder, a tactic he despises. However, upon learning she is unaware of the room’s ownership and seeing her genuine distress, his suspicion wavers. He allows her to use his precious spring water to clean herself before the Little Prince.
Later, at a lotus pond, an assassination attempt targets the Little Prince. Prince Zhenguo protects Lianxiang and the child, revealing his lethal capability and deep devotion to his brother. The incident leaves Lianxiang shaken but grateful. Two months later, during a hot afternoon, Prince Zhenguo returns unexpectedly to the residence. Drunk and disoriented, he enters Lady Song’s quarters and mistakes Lianxiang, who is napping beside the Little Prince, for his cousin. He embraces her and attempts to kiss her, only realizing his error when she bites him in fear. A thunderstorm startles Lianxiang, causing the Prince to sober up and flee the room, leaving her confused and terrified.
At the Mid-Autumn Festival banquet, the Prince remains distant and cold toward Lianxiang. However, during a moon-viewing event at the Moon-Gazing Tower, their interactions shift. Lianxiang nearly drops the Little Prince while chasing fireflies, but the Prince catches her. Instead of punishing her, he rewards her with gold beads after she helps him untie his belt, a task that results in her hair becoming tangled in his jewelry. Throughout this encounter, the Prince observes her innocence and lack of ambition, contrasting her with other women who seek his favor. He notes her simple heart and dedication to her duties.
Following this, the Prince begins to show subtle signs of favor toward Lianxiang. He sends her rare Crystal Grapes, intended to improve her milk quality for the Little Prince, which sparks jealousy among the other wet nurses. The Prince’s behavior suggests he is investigating Lianxiang’s past and testing her intentions. Meanwhile, Lianxiang remains fearful and humble, unaware of the Prince’s growing interest. She continues to serve the Little Prince with diligence, hoping to secure her position and provide for her son. The narrative establishes a complex dynamic between the cold, powerful Prince and the timid, virtuous widow, set against the backdrop of imperial politics and hidden dangers.
The core conflict revolves around the Prince’s suspicion of ulterior motives versus Lianxiang’s genuine innocence. He is haunted by a past event from ten years ago that made him distrustful of women, yet Lianxiang’s purity challenges his cynicism. The assassination attempt highlights the political instability surrounding the royal family, adding tension to the domestic setting. Lianxiang’s vulnerability as a widow in a restrictive society contrasts with the Prince’s absolute authority. Her fear of punishment drives her caution, while his curiosity drives his attention. The story explores themes of class disparity, trust, and the gradual thawing of emotional barriers between two individuals from vastly different worlds.
As the narrative progresses, the Prince’s protective instincts toward both the Little Prince and Lianxiang become more pronounced. He monitors her closely, sending gifts and observing her interactions with the child. Lianxiang interprets these gestures as rewards for good service, unaware of the romantic undertones. The other servants and concubines, particularly Lady Song, view Lianxiang with suspicion and envy. The Prince’s indifference to Lady Song’s advances further isolates Lianxiang as the unexpected focus of his attention. The story moves toward a potential romantic development, hindered by the Prince’s emotional guardedness and Lianxiang’s fear of crossing social boundaries.
The setting of Guangling, with its temple, manor, and natural landscapes, provides a serene yet politically charged atmosphere. The seasonal changes from summer heat to autumn coolness mirror the evolving relationship between the characters. The Little Prince serves as the central bond connecting them, with his well-being being the primary concern for all parties. The Prince’s dual role as a military leader and a caring brother adds depth to his character, showing that his cold exterior masks a capacity for deep affection. Lianxiang’s role as a caregiver highlights her strength and resilience despite her timid nature.
The summary concludes with the Prince continuing his silent observation and care, while Lianxiang remains oblivious to the depth of his interest. The tension between duty and desire, suspicion and trust, forms the foundation of the ongoing narrative. The story sets the stage for further complications as the Prince’s past and the political threats to the royal family continue to influence their lives. Lianxiang’s journey from a fearful servant to a central figure in the Prince’s life is just beginning, driven by mutual care for the child and an unspoken connection that neither fully acknowledges yet.
