Counterattack of the Cannon Fodder Chambermaid

by Usui Takumii

not mine, Princess Capture Plan. Total: 177 chapters and 12 epilogue so 189 chapters .

9. 81 to 90

81

The Jing Prince hadn't come to the western pavilion in four days.

He had been coming once every two days recently, and the longest time in between had been three days. Now that he suddenly stopped coming, Xiao Hua felt rather unused to it.

Could his highness be busy?

Only after fidgeting an entire day did Xiao Hua adjust her attitude.

She hadn't been this preoccupied in the past when he only visited once every ten or so days! But how could the situation now be compared to the past?

Exactly where it was different, Xiao Hua temporarily couldn't tell.

All she knew was that she was quite unused to the Jing Prince not coming.

Could she have offended him that day?

Xiao Hua thought about it from a different perspective, and thinking of the embarrassment that day, she felt it was quite possible.

After all, she had seen the state of the Jing Prince's privates at the time. Xiao Hua also knew that men couldn't hold it in, but the Jing Prince ended up having to hold it in the entire night.

Looks like it really might have offended him!

Xiao Hua was a little dispirited, but didn't know what she should do. Based on her past life's experience, at this time she should doll herself up gorgeously and alluringly before going to block his path.

But to block the Jing Prince's path?

First let's not even mention how strict the rules of the estate were and whether she could get into the Hall of Splendor. Just the Jing Prince's expression already gave her a huge amount of pressure!

The helpless Xiao Hua leaned listlessly on the kiln. Anyone could see she was depressed.

"Madam, are you bored? How about we play some backgammon?" Chun Cao said on the side.

These days the palace maids had come up with a few playthings to relieve madam's boredom. Backgammon was one thing. Game of leaves1 was another. These were all games that could be played inside the house that could relieve boredom.

When Xiao Hua had initially learned it, she had insisted on playing at least an hour every day. However, the last couple of days she had thrown it aside and didn't insist on playing any longer.

Xiao Hua shook her head and changed her nesting position on the kiln.

"Then how about reading a little?" Ding Xiang brought out the travel log that Xiao Hua had gotten halfway through last time, and placed it on the table.

Xiao Hua shook her head.

Ding Xiang revealed a worried expression but didn't know what to say.

Chun Cao secretly pulled Ding Lan and Ding Xiang outside. Xiao Hua was spaced out and didn't notice.

"Madam is definitely missing his highness." Chun Cao said her theory out loud.

"This can't be spread everywhere. It's fine if we keep it between the three of us." Ding Xiang was consistently cautious, and naturally overthought things.

"Of course I'm aware of this. Look how listless madam has been these last couple of days. She is definitely missing his highness." Chun Cao stubbornly felt this way.

Ding Lan spoke: "That's true. His highness had been coming once every two days recently. This time it's already been four days and he hasn't come."

"It's no use saying this. Let's find something for madam to do, so she doesn't end up falling ill." Ding Xiang concluded.

Ding Lan revealed a distressed expression, "She doesn't even play backgammon anymore, she doesn't read, and she doesn't take a walk around the courtyard. What else is there to do?"

"How about we have madam do some needlework. I noticed that when she was making clothes for Nana He she looked extremely energetic." Chun Cao suggested.

"Go, let's go try it."

Ding Xiang carried a bowl of candied pear juice and placed it on the kiln's table, "Madam, drink some candied pear juice to moisten your throat."

The light yellow candied pear juice was contained in a gold lined goblet and appeared extremely delicious.

Xiao Hua glanced at the small goblet, lifted it and slowly used a soup spoon to drink it.

"When this servant went to fetch lunch today, Auntie Meng said that Nana He really liked the clothes madam made. She said your needlework has improved a lot." This was the truth, but Ding Xiang had forgotten to tell her during lunch.

"Really?"

"Really, madam. Chun Cao also feels your needlework is getting better and better. Chun Cao will soon get thrown far behind by you."

This was actually true, Xiao Hua thought. She also knew that Chun Cao's needlework wasn't that good.

Ding Lan suggested on the side: "How about madam does some needlework to pass the time. Make something for his highness. This servant remembered that you haven't made anything for his highness yet."

Xiao Hua's eyes lit up. This could work. It could be used as an apology?

"What should I make?"

Hearing this, the three palace maids saw a path forward and offered suggestions in succession.

"A coin purse, a scented bag, a fan cover…."

Xiao Hua did her best to recall, "His highness doesn't seem to carry scented bags, and doesn't use a fan. He seems to use a coin purse though."

"Then make a coin purse. Treat it as madam's little gift!" Chun Cao said.

This suggestion received Xiao Hua's praise. Having decided on the idea, Ding Lan went to prepare the materials.

Xiao Hua didn't know how to sew the shape since her skills hadn't reached that level yet. When she made Nana He's clothes, the eight treasures pattern had first been drawn out by Ding Xiang and she followed the design as she embroidered.

"What sort of pattern should be embroidered?" This definitely needed to be consulted with the highly skilled Ding Xiang.

Ding Xiang muttered to herself some time, "Bamboo? Elegant, outstanding."

Actually to put it plainly, it was simple to do. Xiao Hua was able to embroider flowers and grass now, but only the extremely easy kind. The eight treasures pattern on Nana He's clothes was one that was the simplest yet also tasteful and good looking.

Xiao Hua thought about it and felt it was a little too simple. But she was never one to bite off more than she could chew. She knew her own abilities and decided to listen to Ding Xiang.

"We can use the azure blue satin for the base. Ding Xiang, you can pick the matching color for the pattern."

The Jing Prince's clothes were all murky green, matte black, purple, navy blue, sapphire blue types of dark colors. They definitely couldn't match it with an overly bright color. Xiao Hua thought about it and felt that the azure blue satin from her distributed allowance this time could work.

"Yes, madam."

Over on the other side.

Xiao Hua had assumed she offended the Jing Prince, but this wasn't the case.

He was a little angered, but what he was angry about was the clothes Xiao Hua made for Nana He. The Jing Prince was an awkward person. Although he was clearly upset, he wasn't willing to say it and suppressed it in his heart for a long time.

The Jing Prince was also studying the books Barbarian Yan had given him.

Following the morning when Barbarian Yan had given the Jing Prince his secret collection, the Jing Prince had brought it back and taken a look. He discovered that the contents were too profound and mysterious, and he felt it wasn't useful. It described all sorts of different positions and what not.

He just didn't want to hurt that little flower. Why would he need to look at these flame warding pictures? It wasn't as if he hadn't seen them before. There were many such things in the palace. He had seen them in the past as well, but was merely uninterested.

After being bottled up with anger for a day, countless people suffered from the Jing Prince's cold glare while he handled official business. Luckily Barbarian Yan wasn't a foolish person. After going back and pondering over things, he felt things weren't quite right. The next morning he had stuffed a few more books into the Jing Prince's hands.

According to him, these were for beginners. The ones he had given before were for appreciation, and the Jing Prince was not yet able to comprehend the mysteries contained within.

The Jing Prince's feelings aside, when he found the time to take a look, he seemed to have gleaned a few things as expected.

Two of the books were basically an explanation for beginners. A few others were erotic literature. These books were all hand written copies that circulated in street stalls, and naturally couldn't be compared to the printed paper volumes of Barbarian Yan's treasured collection. But as the Jing Prince flipped through them with a cursory attitude, he actually felt they made a lot of sense. They also described things very simply, making it easy to understand.

Therefore the Jing Prince decided to study the two instruction manuals first. Those erotic literatures could wait until he had free time.

The Jing Prince was usually very busy with official affairs. Although he wanted to hurry and finish reading, he was helpless due to the lack of time. He also had to avoid others when reading, making him extremely vexed. "Others" wasn't only Eunuch Fu, but also included other people apart from Barbarian Yan.

No matter how unconventional the Jing Prince was, he also knew that if others found out about this he would lose all his dignity. Therefore the two thin books that could be finished in a day based on his reading speed required three, four days to finish instead.

Other than that, the Jing Prince thought about the clothes and felt even more bottled up with anger, and wanted to see that little flower even less.

Another three days went by. The Jing Prince had finished the two instruction manuals the day before, and after going over it in his mind repeatedly he learned a thing or two. After letting things stew for a day, he kept feeling a little embarrassed and didn't go to the western pavilion. After another day passed, he really couldn't sit still any longer and headed over.

When the Jing Prince got to the western pavilion it was already very late. Xiao Hua had just finished bathing and was about to go sleep.

Hearing that the master had suddenly graced them with his presence, Xiao Hua was actually quite overjoyed at the unexpected news.

Ever since she started making the coin purse for the Jing Prince, she hadn't missed him as much. She would think about him a little before sleeping, but the rest of the time she was busy dealing with that coin purse.

Seeing the Jing Prince's apathetic face at this time made it seem like a lifetime since they had last met.

"Highness, why did you come so late? Have you eaten yet?"

The Jing Prince saw the small face that was clearly pleasantly surprised and thought she still liked to see this humble prince visit her after all. There was a trace of happiness in his heart, but on the surface he just gave her a side glance and didn't respond.

Eunuch Fu said on the side: "His highness has already eaten dinner."

Xiao Hua let out an "oh" and pulled the Jing Prince to the western room.

Ding Xiang served tea and Xiao Hua said: "Then highness drink some tea." She ingratiatingly carried the teacup over and presented it to the Jing Prince.

The Jing Prince glanced at the teacup and looked away again, not receiving it with his hand.

Xiao Hua dispiritedly put the teacup aside and searched for a topic, "Has highness bathed yet? Should this servant concubine have them prepare water?"

"Already bathed."

The Jing Prince finally spoke, but it was only two words.

Since he had done everything already, what was there to do?

At this moment, Xiao Hua's brain was a little stuck and naturally didn't realize the implications of the situation.

Under the faint yellow lamplight, the beauty was extremely picturesque. Her scattered long hair seemed like a top quality fabric. Her palm sized little face was flushed and her large limpid eyes were watery, seemingly just bathed. Her slightly opened collar faintly revealed a hint of fair skin….

The Jing Prince's mouth suddenly felt a little dry.

He lifted the teacup on the side and took a sip.

Unfortunately Xiao Hua didn't notice his movements and was lost in her own thoughts. She naturally didn't know that this fussy man was actually doing it on purpose.

It wasn't clear what Xiao Hua thought of but her face turned red. She snuck a glance at him under her eyelashes and quietly asked: "Then should we go turn in?"

This suggestion received the Jing Prince's approval. He had been thinking of this the whole time but wasn't able to overcome the little bit of awkwardness. That was why he acted profound and didn't say anything.

The Jing Prince stood up and walked towards the bedroom.

Xiao Hua looked at his back and felt rather speechless and helpless.

Looks like only in bed could she understand him a little. Could it be that they could only communicate in bed in the future? This thought was very fleeting and didn't linger in Xiao Hua's mind because she had already followed him into the eastern room.

After readying themselves for bed, the two of them sat next to each other as all the servants took their leave. The curtains were also lowered. Only after seeing no one else around did Xiao Hua press herself close to the Jing Prince.

"Highness, are you angry at this servant concubine?"

Her small figure appeared pitiful. Xiao Hua had always been clear of her own advantages. It wasn't a big deal for women to ask for pampering or act well behaved. With such a weird master, if she still insisted on being prideful and caring about face there was no way they could get along. As a small low-ranked concubine, what did she need face for? Especially since there was no one else watching, and it was only the two of them. There was no need to worry about her dignity.

The soft body pressed against him, the small hand lightly pulled on his arm. She sat kneeling next to him looking tender and lovely, making his heart inexplicably melt. The Jing Prince was no longer able to maintain his apathetic expression. Although at a glance he didn't look much different, his eyes were slightly deeper and his face was slightly softer.

"This humble prince isn't angry."

Xiao Hua let out an "oh" and said: "This servant concubine thought highness was angry about the other day." As though remembering something, she lowered her face bashfully.

"It wasn't because of that?" She hurriedly changed her tune, her tone stammering, "This servant concubine's part is all healed now, it was already better the, the next day." Her voice was extremely quiet and her face was fiery crimson.

If the Jing Prince still didn't get the hint at this point, he should just go dig a hole and bury himself. His heart froze a little, and he wanted say a few things. However, he was completely unable to say any of that crude person Barbarian Yan's pickup lines, and could only use his body to act.

Xiao Hua was pressed underneath and her mind was in disorder. She was wondering what she should do in case she ruined the moment again. However, she discovered that the Jing Prince's hand movements seemed a little different from before. How should she put it? In the past he would fiddle around a couple times recklessly. This time she clearly noticed his meticulousness.

Well, his hands were still very clumsy, but his actions seemed to be for the sake of making her react?

Xiao Hua felt a burst of happiness in her heart. Her body reacted faster than her mind and responded accordingly.

The two of them advanced and retreated in harmony, making it extremely enjoyable.

Xiao Hua felt her body heating up rapidly, and felt his hand reaching towards that area.

Her mind became completely blank. By the time she snapped out of it, she realized that a long and slender finger was rubbing and teasing her sensitive area.

Heavens, who did the Jing Prince learn this from?!

The moment this thought flashed through her mind, she was choked up once again. One hand was sweetly torturing her lower half while the other free hand roamed about her body. The movements were clumsy, and seemed a little hurried, but it inexplicably made Xiao Hua's heart melt, and her body melted as well.

The Jing Prince searched his memories for the techniques while carefully observing their effects. That little flower's expression was extremely alluring, her face red as though she were drunk and her eyes also misty as though there were about to leak water….

The thought "Barbarian Yan's words seem to be useful" flashed through his mind. The Jing Prince knew that having done it so many times, there had only been two times when this little flower looked like this. Once was the time she got drunk and another was one of the times in the Hall of Splendor.

According the terms used in those books, this was pleasuring a woman?

The spot by his finger was soaking wet. He remembered last time how he applied the ointment, and couldn't resist exploring inside a little. He heard a moaning sound that was both pleasure and suffering….

"Highness….."

Seeing her seeming to like it a lot, the Jing Prince tightened his face and couldn't resist exploring a few more times while leaving one finger pressed on top. After a few times, she was putty in his hands and couldn't bear it anymore. Xiao Hua's toes were clenched, looking aggrieved and beautiful.

Only after seeing this did the Jing Prince roll over and press himself on top of her…

Ancient Chinese game played with tiles. It can be thought of as an early form of Mahjong.

82

After a long, long while.

The movements behind the curtains had finally settled down.

Xiao Hua's face was buried in the pillow. She didn't have the strength left to move a muscle.

The Jing Prince lay there, his body and heart both extremely pleased. His heart also contained an imperceptible trace of a man's pride.

After resting for a while, he remembered something mentioned in the book. He turned on his side and stroked her bare, snow-white back, "Like it?"

Xiao Hua was momentarily unable to take it.

In her memories, the Jing Prince had only asked her twice if she liked something. The first time was on New Year's Eve, and tonight was the second time. Thinking about what he meant by asking "like it?" this time, Xiao Hua didn't know what she should say.

But she was afraid of angering this master if she didn't respond. He finally came by, and had done his best to make her feel good. Even if Xiao Hua was a moron, she would still understand the implicit meaning behind the Jing Prince's actions.

Thinking of this, she felt a sweetness in her heart. She endured her bashfulness with difficulty and turned over, hiding into the Jing Prince's arms and nodded her head.

The Jing Prince felt pleased with himself, and was also a little proud. Overall, his emotions were very complicated. He lowered his eyes and looked at the tiny person buried in his arms. A tenderness that he didn't notice arose in his heart.

He raised the shy little flower's face and saw her eyelashes that were like butterfly wings covering her eyes, not daring to look at him. Her cheeks were rose-tinted.

A fond feeling arose in his heart, and he leaned in for a kiss.

…

Ding Xiang who had been on guard outside the whole time heard the movements inside the room. Her face was completely red but was also joyous.

Ding Lan sat next to her with the same expression.

In the dark of night, neither of them spoke but they looked at each other with glimmering eyes.

The past few days they had convinced their madam to do some needlework to distract her, but actually they themselves were very apprehensive. They were deeply afraid madam had lost favor. Based on tonight's situation, how was their madam out of favor? It was clearly them overthinking things.

It's good if that's the case. It's good if that's the case!

….

The next day, Xiao Hua awoke when the Jing Prince got up.

She wanted to help him get dressed and freshened up, but was told "you sleep" by him. Xiao Hua didn't listen. She draped her clothes over herself and got up, helping him wash his face, brush his teeth, change his clothes and put on his crown.

Although the Jing Prince felt that these things could be done by servants, he didn't refuse her. Seeing her lowered little face as she earnestly helped him straighten his clothes, his heart was joyful.

"Highness, do you want to eat breakfast here before leaving?"

Xiao Hua finally helped him put on his jasper belt. Her little fingers were curled around the belt and seemed reluctant to let go.

The Jing Prince stroked her hair and thought how she would definitely insist on personally serving him breakfast if he ate here. She hadn't slept much the night before and didn't look very energetic. Therefore, he refused.

"This humble prince goes to the martial training grounds."

So be it. Xiao Hua didn't insist.

The Jing Prince was actually thinking that if she insisted, he could eat breakfast here.

Seeing her not speak any further, he could only say in a depressed tone, "Going to be late."

Xiao Hua nodded her head and sent the Jing Prince off at the door. She seemed to suddenly remember something and ran back inside.

"Madam, what are you looking for? Let this servant do it." Ding Xiang saw her madam running hurriedly inside and spoke worriedly.

"It's nothing, I found it."

Xiao Hua turned around and came out. She saw the Jing Prince still standing in the same spot and couldn't help but laugh a little. She walked forward and secretly stuffed something into his hands, her expression extremely bashful.

"A gift for your highness." Seeing the Jing Prince still standing there rubbing what she stuffed to him while being surrounded by a group of palace maids and eunuchs, she was too embarrassed to look. "Highness should hurry and leave. Otherwise you'll be late." Xiao Hua winked charmingly.

The Jing Prince raised his hand and stroked the tips of her hair before walking out.

Xiao Hua stood there frozen for a long time before returning to her bedroom and going back to sleep.

The Jing Prince walked towards the martial training grounds.

His face was expressionless and his gaze was calm, but his thoughts remained on the thing in his hand. He could have stuffed it into his sleeve pockets, but he kept it squeezed within his hand. Luckily his sleeves were long and it wasn't visible from the outside.

Eunuch Fu glanced at the Jing Prince's expression and secretly glanced at his hand, but he was unable to tell what it was no matter how he looked.

He secretly pondered in his heart. This Madam Hua was too good at winning people over. Such a clear hearted ascetic master was actually coaxed by her to this extent. In the past Eunuch Fu would have been extremely pleased, but at present he actually felt a little worried. Now that these women in the rear court were all unable to get pregnant, being able to coax him was no use.

"Breakfast at the martial training grounds."

Eunuch Fu nodded his head and had one of the low-ranked eunuchs pass the message.

Once they arrived, the Jing Prince saw that Barbarian Yan had long since been waiting.

The Jing Prince felt him to be very pleasing to his eyes and said: "Eat together."

The Jing Prince was slightly obsessed with cleanliness. It wasn't that apparent, but normally when he ate with someone he would use separate tables. He rarely ate at the same table as others.

"Highness, this subordinate has already eaten." Barbarian Yan, who normally used "me, myself and I" was shocked into using "this subordinate". He stared at the Jing Prince as though he were staring at a monster.

The Jing Prince nodded his head and didn't say anything else.

As he ate, the Jing Prince took out the thing in his hand to look at.

It was a ruyi-shaped1 coin purse. The base was azure blue and embroidered with emerald green bamboo. The pattern was very simple, but the Jing Prince felt it was exceptionally pleasing to the eye. The surface seemed to be coated with clay as his fingers involuntarily rubbed it over and over.

As he was looking, a voice rang out from the side.

"A gift from the little madam?" It was Barbarian Yan who winked with a weird expression.

The Jing Prince gave him a side glance and didn't speak.

Barbarian Yan sat down on the chair next to him and stroked his chin with his large hand. "Hehe, I was right, wasn't I? How was it? Women, as long as you let them feel good, they would devote themselves to you."

Seeing this vulgar and gossipy Barbarian Yan, the Jing Prince felt a headache.

"She's given you a coin purse, don't forget to give her something in return." Barbarian Yan took out the tricks he used to coax the high-end ladies and taught it to the Jing Prince.

After hearing this, the Jing Prince didn't speak. Seeing Barbarian Yan continue to jabber on, he suddenly said, "Eunuch Fu is almost here."

Eunuch Fu had been sent away by the Jing Prince to fetch something from the Hall of Splendor. This was because the Jing Prince had noticed Barbarian Yan pacing back and forth, as though he had something to say. Barbarian Yan had passed on his experience to the Jing Prince without Eunuch Fu knowing about it. He didn't want to get chased and scolded by the old eunuch. Actually scolding was still fine. What he was really afraid of was that Eunuch Fu would go have a discussion with his tigress back home. That wouldn't be good.

Hearing this, Barbarian Yan didn't doubt the Jing Prince. He laughed mischievously a few times and slipped away.

After eating and training for an hour, the Jing Prince took a bath at the martial training grounds and changed his clothes. As he put his new clothes on, he casually hung the coin purse on his belt.

While the Jing Prince was handling official business in the front court, Eunuch Fu was able to relax a little.

He took advantage of the free time and ran off to the internal affairs area to find Auntie Qi.

The Jing Prince Estate's internal affairs were supposedly managed by both Eunuch Fu and Auntie Qi. In reality, everything ended up falling mostly on Auntie Qi's head. She was busiest in the mornings.

The internal affairs area would be filled every morning with palace maids and eunuchs who came to report various things or to get assigned tasks.

"Let me tell you something."

The moment he walked in, Eunuch Fu forcibly pulled Auntie Qi away. She could only tell the people around to disperse and report back later.

The two of them walked out of the main hall, and went into one of Auntie Qi's studies where she would handle her business.

"What's making you so hurried?" After sitting, Auntie Qi frowned and asked.

Eunuch Fu laughed and stroked his nose, "Nothing much. I just wanted to discuss something with you."

Auntie Qi rolled her eyes at him in a bad mood and called a palace maid to bring over some tea.

"Sit down and talk."

Eunuch Fu sat down, lifted the teacup and took a sip. He mulled things over in his mind before slowly opening his mouth.

"After thinking it over for a few days, I feel like we should still arrange some new people to enter the estate."

Auntie Qi was too familiar with Eunuch Fu. These words had no head or tail, and if it were anyone else they naturally wouldn't understand. She, however, was able to understand Eunuch Fu's meaning right away.

"You mean to have another batch of low-ranked palace maids enter the estate?"

Eunuch Fu nodded his head.

Auntie Qi didn't say anything but her expression was one of disagreement.

"There's a total of five people in the rear court. No need to mention the consort, and another two of them are completely crippled. The other two won't be good for a while, and needs at least a year for their treatment."

Eunuch Fu based his words on what Doctor Hu had told Senior Concubine Qiao. He didn't know that this was superficial, and that there was a difference between utmost and not utmost treatment.

Auntie Qi frowned and didn't speak.

Eunuch Fu continued to explain: "Let's not mention this year's worth of time for now. Our highness, this grand and majestic prince, only has these two women left in his rear court. How is he supposed to branch out and spread his leaves in the future?"

"Don't you feel that you're concerning yourself with too much?"

Actually Auntie Qi had never approved of Eunuch Fu inserting people by the Jing Prince's side. In the past she had also been feeling desperate and thus let him do as he pleased. Now with Madam Hua's case, the consort had been restricted and the others were all slipped medicine. Sometimes she wondered whether things had only devolved to this extent due to their meddling. But these thoughts faded after thinking about how Yu Jiao and Yu Rong had already been schemed against long ago.

It wasn't that she was being benevolent and assuming responsibility for other people's actions. She just felt that it was better for a servant not to meddle too much in the master's affairs.

Servants had their roles. Of course an appropriate amount of concern was good, but exceeding that amount would incur the master's wrath.

Eunuch Fu continued speaking on the side: "Think about it. Now his highness's personality has changed and he's willing to go to the rear court. This means that our way of thinking was correct. His highness didn't have any problems anywhere, he is just too eccentric. Since this is the case, why don't we follow up on our victory, and improve the situation even more?"

After a pause, he continued: "Isn't Madam Hua a very good example? As long as we manipulate things appropriately, who's to say there wouldn't be a second, or a third Madam Hua?!"

Auntie Qi had to admit Eunuch Fu's words made a lot of sense, but she still felt things weren't quite right.

"Aren't you afraid of offending that side?"

This was inevitable. If Eunuch Fu brought in new people to the estate, it would inevitably offend the currently favored Madam Hua. Outsiders weren't aware, but they themselves knew just how much Madam Hua had changed his highness's personality. Having served him for so long, this was the first time they saw him favoring someone so clearly.

This was an unavoidable enmity. Just like how Eunuch Fu's initial actions of bringing in people to the Hall of Splendor made the Jing Consort wish she could swallow him whole.

Hearing her words, Eunuch Fu's face turned rigid for a moment, but he then turned a deaf ear.

"Think about it. Since his highness likes Madam Hua's type, we have a template we can follow. We don't have to blindly pick like we did in the past. His highness likes massages so we'll find a few who are skilled with their hands. His highness likes someone steady who knows their place, so we'll find a few who are well behaved. They'd be able to ingratiate themselves slightly while also being likeable….."

Auntie Qi's face was filled with impatience, and she sighed: "You're just so stubborn. This damn character of yours hasn't changed a single bit in ten years. I've already said so many times that servants should meddle less in the master's affairs. You didn't even consider whether his highness is willing or not!"

Eunuch Fu finally stopped talking to himself and responded properly: "Whose master has a weird, headache inducing temper like ours? I don't want to concern myself either, but think about it. This grand Jing Prince, our highness, only has five women in his rear court. Three of them aren't even fit for anything. How is he supposed to grow his branches and spread his leaves in the future? Now that his highness is finally interested in such business, wouldn't there be more hope the more people we arrange?"

The question regarding the Jing Prince's offspring was always Eunuch Fu's sore spot. His normally clear mind would drastically change whenever this topic was brought up.

Auntie Qi wiped her face helplessly, "Then how do you want to arrange it?"

Hearing this, Eunuch Fu knew that Auntie Qi had agreed. He smiled and said: "This time we have to put in more effort. But you don't have to worry about this. I will arrange it."

"If you think you can do it, go ahead. Once everything is arranged, let me know and I will handle it. I'm still busy here so I won't see you off."

"Right. I also have to get back to his highness's side."

Author's Notes:

Eunuch Fu wouldn't give up his plans just for the sake of a "tiny madam". If it were that easy, Xiao Hua wouldn't have entered the estate to begin with. The female lead's plot armor isn't strong enough to make others give up their plans for her sake.

This author can only say one thing. Eunuch Fu's thoughts are his own thoughts. As long as other people don't think the same way, everything will be fine. Everyone should be able to understand what that means.

Sort of looks like the top of the Spade suit in a deck of cards. Symbolizes power and good fortune.

83

The Jing Prince didn't seem like he was paying attention to Barbarian Yan's words at the time, but he had actually kept them in his mind.

After he returned from the front court in the afternoon, he wanted to go to the western pavilion initially but ended up stopping by the Hall of Splendor first.

The Jing Prince had his own private storage. This was his own storeroom that was separate from that of the estate.

When he first came to the Jing Province, his personal storage was so empty that not even mice were willing to visit it. Since he governed his vassal state effectively over the last few years, since his personal ventures were profitable, and since his subordinate officials would offer tributes, the situation of his personal storage had completely changed.

The personal storage was located to the rear of the Hall of Splendor, and was normally managed by Eunuch Chang.

After the Jing Prince returned, he summoned Eunuch Chang and had him go to the storage to pick out something that women would like.

Eunuch Chang was extremely surprised at receiving this order, and carried it out right away.

He returned with several low-ranked eunuchs in tow, each holding various sorts of embroidered boxes.

On his way back, Eunuch Chang had also figured out who these things would be bestowed to. Within the estate, only the western pavilion's Madam Hua was able to change the Jing Prince's personality to make him want to gift something to women.

Eunuch Chang sighed emotionally and repeatedly reminded the low-ranked eunuchs to hold the things steadily.

After getting back to the hall, they lined up in a row and opened the boxes, allowing the Jing Prince to choose.

The Jing Prince had never gifted anything to women before, and had never even bestowed anything. He didn't have this experience, and although he had heard a thing or two about it, he wasn't able to recall anything at the moment.

Since it was something for women, the things were naturally all types of gold or silver jewelry.

Within the boxes, there were exquisite pearl inlaid pure gold hairpins, flower and butterfly patterned ruby ornaments, laced jade phoenix hairpins, thousand leaf crab-apple flower patterned diamond tiaras….and all sorts of high quality jadeite, jade and gold armbands and bracelets, all sorts of earrings, necklaces, pendants and other hanging jewelry. Nothing was lacking.

The light of jewels dazzled the room.

Any woman who saw these would faint from excitement. But since the Jing Prince was a man, he didn't understand such things. These things that were all treasures in the eyes of women were all trinkets in his eyes.

He looked to and fro, but wasn't able to make up his mind. In the eyes of others, the indecisive Jing Prince was just standing there without moving, his face rigid.

Eunuch Chang had followed the Jing Prince for many years, and naturally understood his master's personality. He said helpfully to the side: "Highness, what do you think of this crab-apple flower tiara? The embedded jewels came from the southern seas, and look extremely dazzling under the sunlight."

The Jing Prince looked at the tiara Eunuch Chang was holding. It truly was beautiful.

He nodded his head and Eunuch Chang had the box placed to one side.

On the other side, the Jing Prince's eye was caught by a pure gold butterfly hairpin. The appearance was extremely simple and elegant, but the craftsmanship was extremely good. Inside the box, the butterfly wings that were as thin as a cicada's wings trembled slightly, seeming extremely lifelike. At its mouth was an extremely small ruby. Despite its size, the color was extremely vivid.

The Jing Prince imagined this butterfly hairpin in that little flower's hair and felt it would definitely look extremely good. He pointed it out and the low-ranked eunuch closed the box and put it to the side.

Having decided that butterflies were good, he picked out a pair of matching jade butterfly earrings. After some more thought, he chose another pair of jasper bracelets, a string of thumb-sized pearl necklace and a bracelet of red coral beads.

He thought about it and said: "Send to the western pavilion."

Eunuch Chang received the order and prepared to take his leave with the others. The Jing Prince gestured for him to wait and to leave behind the box containing the butterfly hairpin.

At the western pavilion.

After Eunuch Chang left, Ding Xiang piled the things onto the kiln for Xiao Hua to see.

Ding Lan and Chun Cao revealed faces of astonished admiration. Ding Xiang was a little better off, but she was also smiling.

"Congratulations madam. Madam is extremely favored by his highness. This servant has stayed in the estate for so long and has never heard of his highness bestowing anyone anything."

Xiao Hua feigned a look of coquettish anger at Ding Xiang, and her face was also full of pleasant surprise.

Let's first not mention how valuable all the things were. Although Xiao Hua didn't have much knowledge, she had still seen some valuable things before. But all the things she had seen in her past life could not even be compared to what the Jing Prince sent over today.

Especially with the implicit meaning behind the gifts. If his highness with his personality had thought to give her gifts, it should mean that she had a place in his heart, right?

Thinking of last night, and then looking at the things in front of her, she inexplicably felt some sweetness in her heart.

The sound of greetings came from outside. Hearing this, Xiao Hua had Ding Xiang close the boxes and put them away. She tidied up her hair and clothes a little before heading outside.

"Greetings, highness."

Her soft and flexible waist lowered, but before she was able to kneel the Jing Prince had raised her up. Xiao Hua's hand trembled within the Jing Prince's, and she suppressed the happiness that filled her heart.

The two of them went and sat in the western room. Ding Lan served up some tea.

Although he was sitting right next to her, Xiao Hua inexplicably felt too bashful to look at him. She snuck a glance at him and happened to meet his gaze.

"Highness, drink some tea."

She hurriedly lifted the teacup to try and cover up her awkwardness, but ended up spilling quite a lot of tea and burnt her fingers.

She shrunk her fingers back and nursed them for a bit before pretending nothing happened and continued to offer the cup. However, the Jing Prince took it and placed it to the side.

"Medicine."

Ding Xiang saw the movement from the door and went to fetch some ointment. Coming back, she prepared to apply it for Xiao Hua but was stopped by the Jing Prince's outstretched hand.

"Highness, this servant concubine is fine. It's just a little red and will be fine in a bit." Xiao Hua said quietly.

As a servant, she would often burn her fingers or whatnot, and wasn't that frail.

Although she said this, her fingers were still held by the Jing Prince as he applied the ointment.

Xiao Hua looked at his lowered head, his gaze seemingly very focused. His actions were a little clumsy but were extremely careful. Her eyes couldn't help but mist up.

She sniffed a couple of times and said while smiling: "Thank you highness. This servant concubine isn't in pain."

The Jing Prince didn't say anything. He put down the ointment, gave her a glance and stroked her hair.

Stroking her hair seemed to be a way for the Jing Prince to express himself, since under different circumstances the act would express different meanings. The Jing Prince's meaning at the moment was probably to comfort her.

If this action were to be put into words, it would probably be telling her that things will be fine after applying the ointment.

Ding Xiang took the ointment and retreated. Xiao Hua carefully moved closer to the Jing Prince's side.

"Highness, the things you had Eunuch Chang deliver, this servant concubine really likes them."

The Jing Prince didn't speak, and stroked Xiao Hua's hair once again. Then he took out a slender embroidered box from his sleeves and handed it to Xiao Hua.

Xiao Hua glanced at the Jing Prince, received it and opened it.

Inside was a pure golden butterfly hairpin. Its appearance was extremely simple and couldn't be said to be precious, but the craftsmanship was outstanding. The golden wings were extremely thin, and would slightly tremble even if it weren't moved, as though it were alive. A rice-grain sized ruby was embedded in its mouth area. The ruby's color was extremely vivid, making one's heart shiver.

The jade-white slender hands entered her line of sight and lifted the hairpin. Xiao Hua spaced out and felt movement on her head. She raised her hands and felt around, directly making contact with the lightly trembling butterfly on her head.

She shivered in her heart, and her lowered eyes landed upon his waist where an unobtrusive coin purse was hanging. She couldn't resist smiling. This was the first time that she truly revealed a smile towards this man who was her master, the Jing Prince.

At this moment, the Jing Prince seemed to have witnessed the scene of a flower blooming. His heart inexplicable tightened and he used his hands to brush aside her hair.

"Like it?"

Xiao Hua closed her eyes bashfully before opening them again. She looked at the pair of apathetic eyes that seemed to contain something else.

"Like it." Her voice was very small.

"This one I like the most." After speaking, she raised her fingers and pointed at the butterfly hairpin. Her eyes were limpid and her smile grew even more splendid.

This moment, this scene and this person were all engraved in the Jing Prince's heart. Thinking back upon it many years later, it was still vivid in his memories.

For the following few days, Eunuch Chang would deliver something to the western pavilion every day.

There were jewelry, head ornaments, carved jade decorations and all sorts of strange trinkets. The western pavilion's palace maids were at first astonished, then became calm, and eventually got used to it.

That's right. Being favored was supposed to be like this. Within the Jing Prince Estate, the most favored was the western pavilion's Madam Hua!

This was something the entire estate knew about, and the palace maids in the western pavilion were all proud of it.

Eunuch Chang would send over gifts every day, and the Jing Prince would arrive a little later on schedule.

He was still apathetic and taciturn, his face without expression as though made of clay. He would always ask "like it?"

Xiao Hua was never a slow person, but many times her surging emotions would be hard to fathom by those who weren't present. Only after being confused for many days did she snap out of it and realize the Jing Prince was trying to get her to like him.

The jewelry cabinet had already been completely stuffed, and all the decorations in her room had been replaced. The little storage was also just about filled up.

Xiao Hua had hesitated and wanted to speak up several times, wanting to tell him that this was sufficient and if it continued it would be too exaggerated.

But seeing Eunuch Chang come every day and the Jing Prince's expression that looked apathetic but contained happiness when he asked if she liked it, she was unable to say these words out loud.

The two of them thus played this childish game. Every day the Jing Prince asked: "Like it?"

Xiao Hua would always smile exceptionally splendidly, her heart surging as she answered: "Like it."

These days, Xiao Hua wasn't the only one who felt the childishness in the Jing Prince's actions. Even Eunuch Fu, Eunuch Chang, Ding Xiang and the other personal servants could sense it, but no one dared say anything.

Since the apathetic Jing Prince was willing to play this game, then let him play it. It was rare for his highness to be in such a mood.

Especially since bestowing things to one's woman wasn't a bad thing. It showed that the Jing Prince was wealthy, generous and impressive. People often times wanted to bestow things but didn't have anything to bestow.

Barbarian Yan, the main culprit of this situation, was completely unaware. Every morning when the Jing Prince went to the martial training grounds he would be standing next to him asking all sorts of nonsense.

However, the Jing Prince was already someone who had been brought through the doors by a master, and had become a master in his own right. He had a bit of a headache from his personality and discarded him after using him. Whether intentionally or unintentionally, he had Eunuch Fu block him off by standing on the side, making Barbarian Yan thoroughly vexed with urgency as he tried countless of ways to get around him.

All this will temporarily not be mentioned further.

This day, while resting after doing the deed, Xiao Hua lay on the Jing Prince's chest.

If things were harmonious in bed between a man and a woman, there would naturally be a tacit understanding between them that outsiders couldn't grasp. Especially with the Jing Prince's little gestures recently, there was some additional tenderness in their relationship.

Due to this, Xiao Hua's words and behavior had naturally changed quite a bit from the past.

"Highness, has this servant concubine just about cleared out your storage?" Xiao Hua said in a joking manner.

The Jing Prince froze and spoke while stroking her hair, "This humble prince doesn't know."

"This servant concubine's own storage is already almost full. How about not bestowing anymore things to this servant concubine."

"You don't like?" The Jing Prince furrowed his brow.

Xiao Hua gently caressed his brow and quietly said: "This servant concubine really likes it. However…."

The Jing Prince said in a depressed tone: "This humble prince's storage is very big."

He thought that Xiao Hua only spoke so considerately because she was afraid of emptying out his pockets. Women being considerate was a good thing, but this sort of consideration gave the Jing Prince the false impression that "Xiao Hua'er thought this humble prince is very poor".

He was very poor in his last life, but in this one he wasn't poor, ok?

The Jing Prince didn't know how to tell Xiao Hua this, and could only bottle it up and no longer speak.

These days having spent so much time together, Xiao Hua was able to clearly tell the changes in the Jing Prince's mood. Especially when the two of them were pressed so closely together, there was very little that could be kept hidden.

Therefore, she knew that his highness seemed a little depressed.

She rubbed the bridge of her nose and felt a little awkward. Fine. Since this master felt he was very wealthy, why would she as a little concubine have anything to say about it?

If the master bestows, she will receive.

But she couldn't just say it like this to the Jing Prince. Therefore, she could only grab the Jing Prince's hand and fiddle with his fingers to show her goodwill. This was a way to interact with the Jing Prince that Xiao Hua figured out over these few days.

He liked silence and didn't like to talk. He would sometimes use a few small gestures to express himself. For example, the Jing Prince expressed comfort, pleasure and happiness by stroking Xiao Hua's hair. Xiao Hua would express goodwill, intimacy and happiness by rubbing the Jing Prince's finger.

This felt a little like guessing at riddles, but the two of them took pleasure in their interactions.

After his finger was rubbed by Xiao Hua, and seeing her smile with her eyes lowered, he stroked her hair, his mood extremely good.

84

Despite what the Jing Prince said, he actually didn't know how much was in his personal storage. The next day he called Eunuch Chang over to show him the storage's account book.

Actually the Jing Prince had overthought things. He didn't have the convention of bestowing things to his harem, and everything that was bestowed to the servants were taken from the estate's public storage. This private storage was his own little gold mine. Normally things only went in and nothing came out. Over the years, things had accumulated.

Forget being able to stuff the western pavilion's eastern wing. Even after stuffing a few more wings it wouldn't be enough to empty it out.

Only after looking at the account book did the Jing Prince feel relieved.

The Jing Prince checking the account book was just to ease his subconscious mind, and didn't have any other meaning.

However, Eunuch Chang who had been carrying things over to the western pavilion these days was mentally exhausted. He had thought the Jing Prince was planning to gift Madam Hua something once again, and asked for the account book because he was too busy to look over the items individually. He sighed over how favored Madam Hua was, but suggested another few trinkets that women would like.

The Jing Prince listened to his words, and thinking they sounded good, nodded his head in approval.

Over by the Changchun Pavilion.

Ever since the Jing Consort's aides had all been beaten to death, she had fallen ill and never recovered. Her personal servants were all new faces, and each of them were agreeable and had excellent etiquette. However, she saw all of them as Eunuch Fu that old castrate and that bitch Qi's informants.

Her health had never been good to begin with, and with the negative emotions such as anxiety and sorrow, her health had gotten even worse.

Doctor Hu had personally come several times, and could only do his utmost to take care of her health. There wasn't anything else he could do. Of course, he still had to speak the superficial words telling her to relax her mind and not to overthink things.

The Jing Prince bestowing a large quantity of items to the western pavilion was something known throughout the estate since the movement was too big. Although the Changchun Pavilion's servants would carefully serve and do their jobs, there would inevitably be some envious discussions.

After all, everyone knew that Madam Hua used to be a palace maid herself.

Since their circumstances were similar, these palace maids naturally couldn't help but imagine that one day they themselves could become a second Madam Hua and enjoy such limitless pampering.

These envious discussions inevitably reached the Jing Consort's ears.

Hearing this, the Jing Consort felt even more unbearable jealous resentment, grief and indignation. Being ruthlessly provoked once again, she directly spat a mouthful of blood and fainted once again.

The subordinate palace maids saw this and lost their heads from fear. They reported it to Auntie Qi who invited Doctor Hu for treatment.

Over the last few days of treatment by Doctor Hu, the Jing Consort's illness had pretty much been cured. Unexpectedly, things had suddenly become serious once again. Doctor Hu took her pulse, asked about the situation and understanding dawned in his heart.

He prescribed the same medication as usual and ordered the personal palace maids to properly serve and try their best to console the consort against suffering any pent up frustration. He also implied that they shouldn't tell the Jing Consort anything regarding the outside in the future.

Only then did these personal palace maids understand. Turns out that the consort suddenly spraying blood wasn't because her illness worsened, but was because she was angered.

This situation was not expressed at this time. Regardless, the Jing Consort was once again ill and wouldn't recover for some time.

As for the Rongxi and Hanxiang Pavilions, they also were aware of the happenings outside, especially those regarding the western pavilion.

They naturally cursed Xiao Hua for being a vixen several times behind closed doors, but since Madam Hua was extremely favored as of today, no one dared to go cause any trouble.

Especially since after the consort was restricted, the western pavilion had kept its doors closed and didn't interact with other areas normally. Without this interaction, even if Yu Jiao had hundreds of curses in her heart, she had nowhere to vent them. Furthermore, since she and Yu Rong were both crippled, they had completely lost hope and didn't really desire to be favored anymore. Cursing Xiao Hua was also just to vent their emotions.

Since the main culprit of their situation was still confined within the Changchun Pavilion, the two of them still knew what was more important.

As for Senior Concubine Qiao's side, although she was thoroughly upset, she knew her own situation wasn't good. Her body needed a year and a half of treatment, and since her relationship with Madam Hua wasn't harmonious, going over to exchange blows was just wasting her energy. She might as well focus on her recovery and start scheming again once her body was cured.

Since the other areas were peaceful as though the people were invisible, and the Jing Prince's visits became more and more frequent, Xiao Hua's days were naturally as happy as she could hope for.

Her body still needing treatment before she could get pregnant was her only regret. However, Xiao Hua had also thought this through. She was still young, and getting pregnant too early wasn't a good thing. Temporarily being unable to get pregnant wasn't a bad thing.

Moreover, based on the current situation, half a year's treatment wasn't a huge problem. As long as she was favored, there was no need to worry about giving birth to a child in the future.

The Jing Consort spitting blood was reported to the Jing Prince, as well as news that she wanted to see him.

The news was delivered by Auntie Qi. After the Jing Consort awoke, she had her personal palace maids relay her message to Auntie Qi.

Although Auntie Qi understood the Jing Consort's intentions, she was the consort after all and couldn't be brushed off like regular people. She could only deliver the news. As for his highness's decision, that wasn't something they as servants could interfere in.

The Jing Prince froze for a while after suddenly hearing this news. Only now did he realize that he hadn't been going over to sit in the Changchun Pavilion every ten days as he did in the past.

Considering the seriousness of her situation since she had spat blood, the Jing Prince decided to make a trip to the Changchun Pavilion in the end.

This was the first time the Jing Prince entered the Jing Consort's bedroom. He was rather unused to it. It was precisely a feeling of unfamiliarity. To be honest, apart from being familiar with his own bedroom in the Hall of Splendor, the only other familiar place would be over by the little flower's western pavilion.

He sat down on a chair to the side while Eunuch Fu stood beside him. A palace maid brought in some tea before taking her leave.

The Jing Consort sat leaning against the headboard, her face deathly pale. Her previously full cheeks were now a little sunken and her lips were a little dry. It was clear she hadn't been well recently, whether she was suffering from illness or suffering from the heart.

"You are finally willing to come?" The Jing Consort's voice was still the same as before, but had a trace of weakness and seemed a little lacking in energy.

The Jing Prince's seat faced the window, and his gaze was fixed outside. Apart from giving her a glance when he came in, he hadn't looked at her at all.

"You still have this same appearance, always having no one else in your eyes." She paused and spoke again: "I've already repented, acknowledged it and learned from it. Why are you just unable to forgive me?"

The Jing Consort's tone had been very level, but perhaps she wasn't able to control herself when speaking about emotional matters. Her last sentence "why are you just unable to forgive me" suddenly became high pitched and a little shrill.

The Jing Prince still didn't look over, continuing to look fleetingly outside the window.

"It's said you have a favored concubine now. I just can't figure it out. Just what do you see in that little hussy that makes you favor her so? Can your eyes that have never had anyone in them truly contain someone? Ha, can't sit still when I call her a little hussy….this consort is going to curse her. Bitch, little hussy, wastrel…."

The Jing Prince's gaze moved over because of the words "little hussy" but then returned to their original spot. Towards the Jing Consort's emotional abuse, his brows merely furrowed a little before smoothening again, and he didn't respond to it anymore after that.

Such a Xiao-Shi wasn't unfamiliar to the Jing Prince. When they had first married and were still living in the palace, she was like this. Her words weren't as ugly but they had been full of mockery. After moving to the Jing Province, that Xiao-Shi had disappeared. It seemed as if she had matured and her personality had become stable. Later, during his most difficult period of time, she had started acting hysterical once again until the end.

Only then did he know that she had never changed, but had merely hidden that face of hers.

Everyone had things they didn't want to face, but had to face in the end.

For Luo Jing, due to being mute he had attracted mockery, his royal father's contempt, the Jin Emperor's malice after his ascension and finally Xiao-Shi, who should have been his most intimate person, digging into his heart over and over with a knife.

It had stopped hurting a long, long time ago. Anyone when faced with pain would find a way to make it stop. Some would choose to destroy those who gave them pain, making them never appear again. Luo Jing chose to ignore her until it became complete disregard.

This was all one could do when one was helpless. Luo Jing's upbringing was different from normal people, and he was quite familiar with this method of handling things. In the eyes of outsiders, he had soon returned back to normal.

Actually no one knew that he was also hurt before.

It's just that after being overly hurt he started ignoring her. After ignoring her for a while, it had truly become disregard. As of today, her words were no longer able to affect him whatsoever. It was to the extent where he could listen if he wanted to listen, and hear nothing if he didn't want to listen.

On one side the Jing Consort was still hysterically venting her emotions while on the other the Jing Prince had already entered the "hear nothing" mode. The room which was only a few meters across was split into two polar extremes. One side was extremely peaceful and cold, the other initially wanted to hold it in, show her softer side and goodwill yet couldn't suppress her nature and reverted back to her old ways.

The Jing Consort's current body was not suited for outbursts of emotion. Her shortness of breath made it impossible to maintain the spew of harsh words. Only when the Jing Consort finally ran out of breath and lay panting on the pillow without speaking did the Jing Prince turn back to look at her once before standing.

He turned around and left.

"Luo Jing—–" The voice was suddenly high pitched and shrill.

The Jing Prince turned his head back, his mysterious dark eyes that were clear as crystals looked directly at her twisted face. The Jing Consort had intended to speak further, but suddenly felt a little guilty. Seeing his gaze suddenly fixed on her, she inexplicably shrunk back.

"I had given you your dignity before."

You were the one who didn't want it.

The second half was only mumbled within the Jing Prince's heart. As he stepped outside, he suddenly felt derision arise in his heart. This feeling was something he had never had in the past.

Since she didn't want it, why should he waste his efforts?

On the other side, Eunuch Fu's plans had already come into fruition.

After all, as the estate's general manager, he had several people under him that he could send to do his bidding. Even further removed was still a Eunuch Su on the outside who could help out. Arranging for a few young, pretty girls with clear backgrounds was extremely simple.

Before half a month had gone by, two or three carriages pulled into the Jing Prince Estate's training area.

Auntie Qi stood on the steps and her gaze circled around once. She faintly sighed in her heart. She had come to give her admonishing speech, but at this time she suddenly felt her enthusiasm wane.

She gave a couple of orders to the mid-ranked palace maid by her side before leaving.

Eight young girls were lined up below. Their expressions were curious but they understood the rules and didn't ask anything. The mid-ranked palace maid looked at these girls and also understood why Auntie Qi's expression looked so weird. But while Auntie Qi could leave, she could not. She could only refrain from showing unnecessary emotion while putting on a strict face.

"Since you've come to the Jing Prince Estate, you must understand the estate's rules. From now on, I will be responsible for instructing you in the rules and etiquette. Hopefully you will do your best."

"Yes."

The pale yellow sunlight reflected resplendently off the glazed roof tiles.

The same scene had played out in the same place a year ago. At that time, through twists and turns, one of the girls had become the rear court's favored madam. It wasn't clear what would happen this time.

Of course, that was a matter for the future.

Author's notes:

This author is aware of the "pampering novel" tag. These people can't even be called cannon fodder, and are merely passersby. Their use is to make Eunuch Fu realize the situation, and also to increase the feelings between the male and female leads (spoiling things again .).

85

Auntie Qi walked towards the internal affairs area, her thoughts a mess the entire way.

She wanted to scold someone, but without any victims in sight she didn't know who to vent her anger on.

After sitting for a short while upon getting back, Eunuch Fu came over.

"How was it? Have you seen the people?" These were Eunuch Fu's first words as he came through the door.

Auntie Qi frowned and looked at him, saying in a low voice: "Do you think this is a good idea?"

Having been old partners for several decades, they were both extremely familiar with each other. Eunuch Fu naturally understood Auntie Qi's meaning. He laughed mischievously a couple times, stroked his nose and sat on the side.

"It wasn't on purpose. At the time my subordinates asked for a detailed description, and in my brief moment of carelessness I sent them a painting of Madam Hua's likeness."

Auntie Qi let out a deep sigh, but was still unable to hold it in, "You're being too obvious! What are they going to think of us? These days his highness has changed completely and is favoring her. Can't you be a little subtle about it?"

It seems Eunuch Fu's actions had truly provoked her. Otherwise, the usually steady Auntie Qi wouldn't forget herself like this.

"This one's not trying to do anything. Whether she's favored or not has nothing to do with this one. This one just want his highness to have an heir. There are so few women in the rear court, what's the big deal if this one adds a few people!?"

Since Auntie Qi's tone had turned unpleasant, Eunuch Fu's tone also became stubborn and he started referring to himself as "this one" instead of using "I".

"Whether she's favored or not doesn't have anything to do with us. But what would his highness think when he sees you being so obvious about it? You can only act this way because it's his highness. If it were any other master, your actions would be pure manipulation, prying into the lord's heart, and would result in death, understand? Eunuch Fu, your guts are getting bigger and bigger. How can things continue this way!?" Auntie Qi patiently persuaded.

Hearing this, Eunuch Fu's face darkened as though it were about to start pouring rain.

Seeing this, Auntie Qi revealed a helpless expression.

"You fiend! You're even getting angry with me?"

Only when hearing "fiend" did Eunuch Fu ease up. He suppressed his temper and gently said, "Elegant Aunt, I understand your meaning. It's just that there's no need to worry about the old skin on my face…." as he spoke, he rubbed his own face, "What need do I have for face in front of the master? I've set my heart on holding a little master."

He paused, seemingly comforting Auntie Qi but also comforting himself as well, "Especially since the master never pays attention to anything, and he'll also give me face."

"You're not afraid you'll lose your place in his heart?"

Eunuch Fu's face turned rigid and he said in a low voice: "That won't happen."

"That may have been true in the past. Now it's hard to say." Auntie Qi sighed, "Regardless, I feel like his highness has really been moved this time. That apathetic person is currently like a little child. For the sake of making a girl happy, he threw his personal storage wide open. Having gone with him to the western pavilion so many times recently, you should be aware of this in your heart."

"In the imperial palace weren't there many cases of imperial concubines who were extremely favored for a time? But what happened in the end?"

Eunuch Fu didn't finish his thought, but Auntie Qi knew what he wanted to say. In the end, everything had vanished in the blink of an eye.

Unable to find a good example to use as a retort, she could only let out a hmph: "Just keep being stubborn. I'm too lazy to bicker with you!"

Eunuch Fu moved closer, licking his lips and smiling, "Elegant Aunt, just put in a little more effort on your side and properly teach them etiquette."

"You even kept things hidden from me." Auntie Qi frowned again, and seemed to want to settle accounts with him. "How could those people have been found in a single month?"

"I merely had this idea early on, and wanted to wait until things were all set before letting you know. I really didn't intend to keep it from you." Eunuch Fu smiled awkwardly and explained.

Auntie Qi rolled her eyes at him and let out another sigh.

Thinking of those people and thinking of the effort Eunuch Fu, this old thing, had put into this, she couldn't help but worry for Madam Hua. Of course, she was more worried for the person in front of her. But Eunuch Fu, that old fellow, had always been stubborn. Perhaps she could convince him on other matters, but he wouldn't listen to her regarding this one. After all, others may not know how deeply he wanted his plans to succeed but she did.

"Alright, alright. I'll arrange things properly on my side."

Eunuch Fu saw this and smiled in satisfaction. As expected, this Elegant Aunt couldn't out-stubborn him and went along with him in the end.

Auntie Qi rolled her eyes at him once again.

Resting after doing the deed.

Xiao Hua was curled up on the Jing Prince's chest, her fingers playing with that round little red bead. She wanted to say something but hesitated.

The Jing Prince stroked her face and asked: "What is it?"

"Highness, the things you bestow arrive every day. You've given this servant concubine so many things. How about not gifting any more?"

She had decided last time to accept them as long as he wanted to give, but anyone would feel a little apprehension and fear after being bombarded like this. After all, going too far is just as bad as not doing enough, and a little moderation would be better.

The Jing Prince didn't say anything.

Xiao Hua smiled ingratiatingly and stuck her little face to next to the Jing Prince's chin.

"This servant concubine only gifted you a coin purse and you gifted this servant concubine so many things. This servant concubine feels apprehensive and restless."

"Then make some clothes for this humble prince."

"Clothes?" Xiao Hua furrowed her brows.

"Not willing?"

"No, that's not it." Xiao Hua said embarrassedly: "This servant concubine's skills aren't good."

"You made a set for Nana He."

Xiao Hua's eyes flashed. How did he know?

While thinking this, she said: "This servant concubine only made the bordering patterns for the main parts and skirt edges. The rest were done with Ding Xiang's help." Saying the last few words made her feel a little ashamed. After all, not being good at handicrafts wasn't a good look for a woman.

"No need to embroider."

Since the Jing Prince had already spoken to this extent, Xiao Hua could only brace herself and agree.

"Then you can't feel disdainful of this servant concubine's skill." It was better to add a condition for insurance.

"Won't."

After things were decided, the Jing Prince's mood was extremely good. He grabbed the little hand and put it back on his chest.

After waiting for a while, he still didn't see her play with that little red bead.

The Jing Prince raised his eyes and saw that her mind had wandered off.

He reached his hand out and pinched the red bead on her chest and was rewarded with a soft cry and a distracted pout. The Jing Prince was suddenly aroused. He pulled the person upwards and his mouth enveloped over.

"Aiya…"

Xiao Hua was startled. Looking at the large head in front of her chest, she was both pleased and shy, and couldn't resist her body from going limp. She felt that her body had been too sensitive recently and was a little ashamed. She then felt his fingers exploring downwards which made body even softer with desire and her heart flutter.

This person!

She wasn't sure whether it was due to his deceptive appearance, but every time Xiao Hua saw his rigid expression while doing all sorts of roguish things to her, she would feel extremely bashful.

The current Jing Prince was already different from his past self, and understood many things. Without even changing his position, he pressed Xiao Hua down on his lap and directly thrust himself in.

The rest doesn't need to be mentioned.

The next day, the Jing Prince did not bestow anything else as expected.

The people in the western pavilion all let out a breath in relief, but was also a little unused to it. However, Xiao Hua didn't feel this way and at the moment felt completely without pressure.

Thinking of how she had promised to make clothes for the Jing Prince last night, she started racking her brains. After pondering for a long while, she finally decided to make him some innerwear.

Xiao Hua had seen all the Jing Prince's clothes before. The standard of his formal clothes was extremely high, and the style was very complicated to make. They weren't something she could make at the moment. The everyday clothes he wore, based on their appearance and craftsmanship were also not something she could make. The inner middle layer clothing seemed to be doable. Only the cuffs and the collar had some decorative patterns, and could be done with some difficulty.

After deciding, Xiao Hua had Ding Xiang go prepare the material.

Ding Xiang carried over four light colored pieces of cloth. They were made with various different materials, and were all bestowed by the Jing Prince over the past few days.

Xiao Hua looked through them several times before deciding on a pale blueish white piece of silk.

"Let's use this. I've noticed his highness's middle layer is mostly made from different types of silk."

Ding Xiang took the other pieces of cloth away, and brought over the casual wear the Jing Prince left at the western pavilion. Xiao Hua busied herself and sketched out the measurements before spreading out the pale bluish white piece of silk and carefully cutting it.

This was the second time Xiao Hua was making a large piece of clothing. She was already not too familiar with it, and with the added worry that she would cut it badly, her nerves were stretched extremely tightly. After everything was cut, her forehead was already filled with sweat.

Ding Xiang had kept watching on the side. Seeing madam's careful appearance, she didn't dare bother her.

Madam was a stubborn person. Last time when she made the clothes for Nana He, she had still let her help quite a bit. This time she refused to let her lend a hand, and only allowed her to give some pointers on the side. Seeing madam finish cutting and putting down the scissors in her hand, Ding Xiang brought over a handkerchief and wiped the sweat off her brows.

"Madam's hands are very steady. Everything was cut perfectly straight."

Xiao Hua smiled and sat down on the side. She lifted her tea to drink, preparing to rest a while before continuing.

She was a little at a loss regarding the embroidery on the clothing, "Ding Xiang, what do you think would be good to embroider on the cuffs and collar?"

She only knew how to embroider the eight treasures pattern, and that was after a lot of practice. Although Ding Xiang had said that Nana He liked it very much, Xiao Hua was clear that the embroidered edges were still a little rough. For Nana He to wear it was more about her effort and the intentions behind the gift.

However, she felt she would be wronging his highness a little if he had to wear it.

Ding Xiang understood madam's meaning but didn't have any good solutions at the moment.

How about we take it slowly? The clothing itself hasn't been completed yet. Think about it while you work."

Xiao Hua considered it and figured that was all she could do.

That night, Xiao Hua sat with the Jing Prince on the kiln.

Xiao Hua had been sewing all day. Although she had decided to mull things over slowly, she still felt concerned about it. Therefore, she stammered out the situation to the Jing Prince about how her current embroidery skills weren't good enough and she was afraid he would dislike it….

Only after babbling on for a while did the Jing Prince understand her meaning.

She was worried her skills weren't good?

But he just wanted her to make clothes for him, what does her skills being good or bad have to do with it?!

Therefore, the Jing Prince said one thing, "It doesn't matter."

"But the decorative patterns will show from under the robes. Highness's clothes are all very exquisite. If the inside looks rough, it'll lower highness's prestige."

These words completely described Xiao Hua's worries. She had already said it several times.

The Jing Prince was silent for a moment before replying: "No need for patterns."

"Is that ok?"

"This humble prince feels it's ok."

Since the Jing Prince himself had said it was ok, Xiao Hua's heart also calmed down. Not having to embroider patterns reduced the pressure on her by a lot.

While Xiao Hua was worrying about making clothes for the Jing Prince, the few girls that entered the training area underwent strict etiquette training before being brought into the Hall of Splendor by Eunuch Fu.1

Eunuch Fu's actions were naturally seen by those in the Hall of Splendor. However, since the Jing Prince hadn't returned for a few days, he temporarily was unaware of it. However, it was merely a matter of time. After all, Eunuch Fu was manipulating things in the background.

By the time Nana He found out that people had been brought into the Hall of Splendor once again, those low-ranked palace maids had already moved in. The chores they did were similar to those Xiao Hua did in the past, mostly sweeping the courtyard. However, this trick of hanging a sheep's head while selling dog meat had been used several times before. Everyone was clear what they were actually here for.

"Ai….."

Seeing Nana He sigh, Auntie Meng consoled on the side: "Nana, don't think too much. Every person has their own fate."

Nana He also understood this, but her thoughts still differed.

The eunuch Xiao Dou Zi spoke on the side: "This lowly one has seen those low-ranked palace maids. Their appearances have some similarities with the Madam Hua from before."

Nana He was close with Madam Hua. This was something everyone in the Hall of Splendor was aware of. Before Madam Hua moved out the two of them had been very close already. After Madam Hua moved to the western pavilion, Nana He still sent her soup every day. In return, Madam Hua had gifted some handmade clothing to Nana He a few days ago.

This Xiao Dou Zi was the small kitchen's manual labor low-ranked eunuch and his eyes were very sharp. He knew that Nana He cared about this situation and had paid special attention to the palace maids' room these past few days. He had given Nana He quite a bit of gossip.

"It that truly the case?"

Nana He heard these words and looked inquiringly at Auntie Meng. Auntie Meng nodded her head.

"This lowly one has carefully observed for a while. There is one whose eyes are extremely similar to Madam Hua's, but she definitely isn't as good looking. There is another one whose temperament is a lot like Madam Hua. The rest all appear to be extremely steady and low-key types…." Xiao Dou Zi didn't know how to describe it. He rubbed his head and thought about it before saying: "It's a Madam Hua if you put them all together."

Nana He's expression immediately turned ugly. According to reason, there wasn't any fault that could be found in Eunuch Fu's actions. However, it still made one feel uncomfortable.

Auntie Meng saw the situation and hurriedly waved her hand for Xiao Dou Zi to leave.

"Actually Xiao Dou Zi's words weren't quite accurate. Although they all appear similar to Madam Hua, they are all lacking a little something. However, they form a pretty picture and each have their own flavor. Looks like Eunuch Fu put in quite a lot of effort this time."

Seeing Nana He remain silent, Auntie Meng spoke again, "Nana, you're already old. It's better not to think too much. What Eunuch Fu decides, no one in the estate can stop except for his highness. Especially since Eunuch Fu's actions seem to be reasonable. Everyone is clear in their hearts that in the long run, this situation could work out for the best."

Based on her personal feelings, Nana He was right to worry. But as a servant, she shouldn't have these thoughts since a servant should be completely focused on the master's wellbeing.

What did that entail?

It was to think for the master's sake, worry over the master's worries, fill in the master's deficiencies and perform all matters, whether small or large, to the best of one's abilities. Whether this wellbeing was accepted by others, or even by the master, was irrelevant.

"I understand what you are saying. I'm just wondering if Eunuch Fu being so obvious about it would put him at odds against her. It's fine if he just brought people in. Why overdo things to such an extent?!"

Actually, Auntie Meng completely understood what Nana He was trying to say.

Madam Hua used to be a palace maid, and was even pushed forward by Eunuch Fu. However, her status had changed and her way of thinking naturally changed as well. Let's not mention whether or not she would be at odds with Eunuch Fu. Just based on his fiddling with people who looked similar to Madam Hua would make those involved feel extremely disgusted even if outsiders couldn't tell.

Anyone would feel uncomfortable if they were in this position. Feeling uncomfortable would inevitably lead to disagreements. Nana He was quite close with both sides, and couldn't show bias towards either one. She also didn't want to see both sides have a falling out.

"Perhaps Eunuch Fu has his own thoughts." Auntie Meng could only say it like this.

Nana He didn't speak further. She sighed and stood up, going over to the cutting board and busying herself.

Auntie Meng also knew whatever she said now would be of no use, and could only take her leave after sighing.

Author's notes:

Actually can I say that this chapter was quite pure? It was still reported. Sorry about the word count being skewed.

Translator's notes:

In case you were wondering, the "little red bean" foreplay parts were replaced with "lalalalalala" in the official raws.

Looks like they got a fast pass….

86

This day, Ding Xiang came to pick up the nourishing soup.

When the small kitchen was notified, Nana He personally placed a small black jar into a small basket and handed it over to Auntie Meng.

Although Auntie Meng and Nana He weren't master and disciple in name, Auntie Meng's culinary skills were all taught by Nana He. Therefore, the two of them had always been close, and Auntie Meng could be counted as one of Nana He's trusted people. Handing over the soup to the western pavilion's people could clearly be done by low-ranked eunuchs, but Nana He never let anyone else handle it. Auntie Meng would always go personally.

Those who came from the palace were always careful.

Auntie Meng went to the Hall of Splendor's gates and gave the basket in her hands to Ding Xiang. She also took yesterday's basket from Ding Xiang's hands.

"We've troubled Auntie Meng again."

"No trouble at all. Hurry and head on back."

After Ding Xiang left, Auntie Meng turned around and went back inside.

She had just taken a couple of steps when she saw a low-ranked palace maid coming towards her.

This low-ranked palace maid was young, around fourteen years old. She wore a pink little jacket with a pale bluish white skirt. Her face was oval shaped with a pair of large and glittering peach blossom eyes. She had a pair of pouted little cherry lips and a slender, willow-like narrow waist.

Seeing that pair of eyes, Auntie Meng thought of Xiao Dou Zi's words from yesterday and put the two together in her heart.

It wasn't as though Auntie Meng hadn't seen these few people before, but she had never had such a close encounter. Therefore she was only seen their general appearance. Now that they were face to face, she could naturally see things more clearly.

The thought "really alike after all" flashed through her mind.

But it was just the eyes. The appearance and mannerisms were different.

Auntie Meng brushed past without batting an eyelid. That low-ranked palace maid gave her a glance, her eyes full of curiosity.

Seeing this elderly palace maid walk past, Qian Xi walked to the gate area and upon seeing the low-ranked eunuch guarding the doors she put on a sweet smile.

"Eunuch Xiao Li Zi, who was that auntie just now? Why does this servant see her come and send something outside every day?"

"That is the small kitchen's Auntie Meng delivering nourishing soup to Madam Hua."

Qian Xi was puzzled, and said with a smile: "Who is Madam Hua, and why does Auntie Meng have to send her nourishing soup?"

Xiao Li Zi gave her a side glance, his expression neither cold nor warm: "Don't ask questions you shouldn't be asking. Who Madam Hua is naturally isn't something you can inquire about at your level. We've also mentioned several times that Eunuch Fu has ordered none of you may leave the Hall of splendor without express permission. Don't keep coming over here during your free time."

"Oh, thanks for Eunuch Li's advice."

Qian Xi smiled timidly, and only after turning her head did she reveal a hint of indignation.

Ding Xiang brought back the food.

Ding Lan and Chun Cao finished setting up the table before leaving to eat their own lunch. Ding Xiang was left behind to serve.

"Madam, drink some soup first before eating."

Ding Xiang took out the small jar and opened the lid, taking out a small porcelain bowl as she spoke and pouring over half a bowl of soup.

Xiao Hua received it and used a small soup spoon to drink.

"Mm…Nana's skills are becoming better and better. This soup is really fragrant." She squinted her eyes in enjoyment, her slightly tilted eyes half shut.

Ding Xiang made a small sound of puzzlement and Xiao Hua lifted her gaze over.

"Madam, look."

On the back of the jar's lid was a piece of wax paper the size of a thumb. Ding Xiang picked at it with her fingers and the slip of wax paper fell off. It was stuck on the lid with a small piece of dough.

The wax paper was folded. Ding Xiang opened it up and saw that it contained a very thin strip of paper.

Xiao Hua put down the bowl in her hands and received it.

The piece of paper actually had some small words written on it: make a trip to the small kitchen.

The nourishing soup was sent by Nana He and the jar came from the small kitchen. That meant this slip of paper was sent from the small kitchen.

Xiao Hua thought of Nana He right away.

Ding Xiang turned the wax paper over and said: "Madam, there isn't anything else."

"It's fine. These should be Nana He's words to me."

But why couldn't she say it directly and needed to use such a method? Xiao Hua and Ding Xiang both had similar thoughts and they looked at each other with doubts in their eyes.

"Go burn it. Pretend nothing unusual happened."

Xiao Hua said as she lifted the bowl of soup with her hands again.

"Yes."

As she ate, Xiao Hua continued to ponder over this question, but couldn't come to any conclusions after thinking for a long time.

Nana He would definitely not send her these words for no reason. The Hall of Splendor was extremely hard for outsiders to enter. Everyone was aware of this. That's why there had to be a reason.

But what was this reason?

The Jing Prince returned from the front court, and as he reached the alleyway towards the Hall of Splendor his foot turned towards the western pavilion's direction instead.

"Highness, not going back to the Hall of Splendor?" Eunuch Fu asked quietly on the side.

The Jing Prince hadn't gone back for several days. No wonder Eunuch Fu was so impatient.

The Jing Prince didn't say anything and continued walking. When they reached the western pavilion, Chun Mei was about to announce his arrival when she was halted by the Jing Prince's slight hand motion.

Xiao Hua was holed up on the kiln reading. Hearing movement outside, she was about to get up to greet the visitor when the Jing Prince already walked in. He raised his hand to prevent her from getting off the kiln and sat himself down on the kiln's edge.

"Highness." Xiao Hua's eyes contained some happiness. The Jing Prince's recent considerate actions had especially made her heart feel suffused with sweetness.

The Jing Prince stroked Xiao Hua's hair. His expression didn't change but his gaze softened.

"Highness just returned from the front court? Will you leave later? If not, this servant concubine will have them bring over some indoor clothing. Wearing outdoor clothing inside just feels uncomfortable."

"Not leaving."

Hearing this, Xiao Hua's smile grew wider.

Ding Xiang brought over the casualwear left behind by the Jing Prince at the western pavilion, as well as a pair of extremely soft silk shoes.

Xiao Hua got off the kiln and sincerely helped the Jing Prince change his clothing. As she prepared to crouch down to help him change his shoes, she was held fast by the Jing Prince.

Ding Xiang's eyes were sharp, and seeing this she hurried over and knelt, changing his shoes for him.

Afterwards, Ding Lan served tea and the palace maids filed out one by one.

The Jing Prince didn't like having a lot of personal servants around, and Xiao Hua also felt more reserved if others were around while she interacted with him. As time passed, the two of them wouldn't leave anyone behind when they were together. Even Eunuch Fu could do his own thing when he came to the western pavilion.

Xiao Hua gave her previous spot to the Jing Prince, and once she helped him settle down against the kiln, she sat down next to him.

The Jing Prince stroked her hair a little and she rubbed his finger a little in return. The gestures were quite vague but the atmosphere was extremely good. Although Xiao Hua saw the same apathy in the Jing Prince's eyes, she was able to grasp some things within that made her feel happy.

The books he liked to read were all by his side, and he casually picked one up and started flipping through it. Xiao Hua sat on the side sewing a piece of clothing in her hands. The Jing Prince's gaze would occasionally lift up and take a glance at her. Seeing that piece of pale bluish white clothing, his mood was extremely good.

"Is it really ok to not embroider anything on this innerwear?"

Especially since his highness's innerwear were all extremely exquisite. Although they looked plain, the faint patterns on the cuffs made it clear that they were made by extremely skilled seamstresses. When she looked at the clothing in her own hands, Xiao Hua would feel a sort of shame.

The Jing Prince didn't speak, but stroked her hands a little.

"Alright, this servant concubine won't ask you anymore. As long as you think it's fine." After falling silent for a bit, Xiao Hua spoke again: "Forget it, this servant concubine will still embroider some patterns. If it's not good, highness definitely can't dislike it." Thinking it over, she felt that it could only be this way.

The Jing Prince seemed to have heard the worry in her tone and stroked her hair again.

The sense of shame and apprehension vanished, and Xiao Hua's half lowered face revealed a wider smile. She buried her head and continued to sew.

After working for a while, Xiao Hua glanced at the hourglass on the cabinet nearby. Over half an hour had already passed in the blink of an eye. She put down the needlework in her hands.

Seeing that person still engrossed in reading, she said: "Highness, let's go take a rest."

The Jing Prince raised his eyes and gave her a glance, putting down the book in his hands.

Both of them were extremely monotonous people. Xiao Hua would usually do some needlework, read or play some backgammon with the palace maids in her free time. The Jing Prince was even simpler. At least Xiao Hua had never seen him do anything apart from read or sit staring into space.

Seeing that person glancing at her, Xiao Hua shuffled over to cuddle. She felt him use his arms to wrap around her, and she sighed in contentment.

Xiao Hua had never dared imagine such a situation. Although the Jing Prince didn't like to speak, he honestly treated her extremely well. She always heard the servants say how "highness extremely favors madam", and her heart gradually began to feel as such.

It's just that he still had that taciturn personality.

However—-

Xiao Hua raised her eyes and looked at him, and saw the pupils that were looking at her. They were very black and very bright, limpid and translucent as though they were emotionless, yet they were focused.

It seemed that with this, she was able to accept his unwillingness to speak, right?

Everyone had their own personalities. The face that he could be this way was already extremely, extremely, extremely good. It was good to the extent that she would feel like suddenly crying sometimes when sitting by herself.

For example, at this moment Xiao Hua felt extremely moved. She felt this was inexplicable yet couldn't help it. She buried her face into the Jing Prince's chest, rubbed around a little and stopped moving.

The Jing Prince didn't make a sound. By the time Xiao Hua snapped out of it, a long time had passed. The room's lamps had already gone out.

She let out an exclamation and sat up, "Ding Xiang, lamps."

Ding Xiang and Ding Lan walked in lightly and lit up the lamps in the room.

Xiao Hua wasn't able to react in time to the sudden light. She squinted her eyes, and seeing the person next to her suddenly felt a little dizzy.

"What's wrong?"

Xiao Hua smiled and rubbed her eyes, "Nothing much. The sudden light was a little dizzying."

"Madam, would you like to eat?"

Xiao Hua glanced at the Jing Prince who nodded his head.

"Let's go."

While they were eating lunch, Xiao Hua suddenly remembered Nana He's little slip of paper. She started to say something but then hesitated.

The Jing Prince seemed to have sensed that she had something to say, "Speak."

Xiao Hua hesitated for a moment before deciding to speak the truth, "When this servant concubine was in the Hall of Splendor initially, the small kitchen's Nana He treated this servant concubine extremely well." She looked into the Jing Prince's eyes, paused, and said: "This servant concubine hasn't seen Nana He in a long time."

The Jing Prince thought of that light purple red piece of clothing, and then looked at Xiao Hua'er whose eyes contained expectation and nervousness.

Only after a long while did he open his mouth, "This humble prince will give the order."

"Thank you highness."

For some reason, whenever the Jing Prince saw this Xiao Hua'er's smile, his mood would always become extremely, extremely good.

After eating, they had nothing to do again.

Xiao Hua gave a suggestion, "Highness, let this servant concubine loosen you up?"

The Jing Prince nodded and the two of them went to the bedroom.

There was more attention to detail now than in the past. Every time before massaging him, Xiao Hua would have him take a hot bath and soak until he was limbered up before starting. Of course there were also times when the Jing Prince felt uncomfortable in some area and suddenly asked Xiao Hua to knead for a bit, though that rarely happened.

The Jing Prince finished soaking and went to lie prone on the bed…

The hot water's temperature was quite high, higher than what he was used to for bathing. After getting out, he felt all the pores on his body were opened up. The bedding was extremely soft, and also contained the faint hint of Xiao Hua's fragrance, making the Jing Prince let out a soundless sigh…

The entire set of movements were extremely familiar. Xiao Hua spoke as she massaged: "Highness, you shouldn't read for too long in one sitting. Maintaining the same position with your neck for too long, while also having the habit of lowering your head, would make this spot…" as she spoke to this point, Xiao Hua used her hands to knead the Jing Prince's neck bones, "This spot sore. It doesn't feel like much when young, but in the future you'll start feeling it."

These were all written within the prevention and correction sections of the handwritten notebook. Although Xiao Hua didn't completely understand everything, she was able to apply things as she saw it. She also knew how to analyze things herself, and could tell the Jing Prince using her own words.

Furthermore, the Jing Prince was normally very busy with official business. Even if Xiao Hua had never seen the situation, she could imagine it. He was also a shut-in, and could sit in the same spot for a long time without moving.

Sometimes when encountering this situation at the western pavilion, Xiao Hua would always feel endless heartache, but would give her advice calmly and steadily while allowing him to sit somewhere comfortable. The spot on the western pavilion's kiln where Xiao Hua often sat didn't look to be much different from the past, but Xiao Hua had already made some careful adjustments. This was all for the sake of allowing the Jing Prince to sit more comfortably.

Heartache…

This concept flashed through her mind swiftly, and Xiao Hua didn't realize it at the time. Only when she became conscious of it did she realize that she had actually used such a word to describe it…

Heartache, why would her heart be aching? Xiao Hua didn't dare think about this question.

87

After a round of massage, half an hour had already gone by.

This period of idleness had already softened Xiao Hua up. Her stamina wasn't as good as it used to be, and she was a little out of breath. After finishing she leaned over on one side.

After spending this period of time with the Jing Prince, Xiao Hua was no longer as reserved. What was a casual action however ended up giving the Jing Prince a shock.

"What's wrong?"

"Nothing." Xiao Hua gave a careless laugh, "Just a little tired."

The Jing Prince didn't say anything. Xiao Hua continued to lie there for a little while, "Highness, you rest for a bit. This servant concubine will go bathe."

While Xiao Hua went to take a bath, the Jing Prince's gaze grew deeper and deeper as he leaned against the headboard.

Bedtime was naturally not just meant for sleeping.

Especially since the Jing Prince had gotten thoroughly immersed in the recent days. Although it wasn't obvious on the surface, he would be abnormally excited every time the suitable time and place came up.

This excitement wasn't visible, and only Xiao Hua was able to tell a little bit.

Matters in bed, between man and woman, was supposed to be a sublime coupling experience to begin with. Once the two of them reached a tacit understanding, they naturally became stuck together like glue and enjoyed each other to the point of obsession. On the other hand, if such an understanding hadn't been reached, days would drag by like years and there would be completely no immersion.

Of course, this was from a woman's perspective. Whether men were the same, Xiao Hua didn't know. But every time they did this, she could feel the intimacy between herself and the Jing Prince.

Xiao Hua wasn't a pampered rich girl to begin with. With her experience from her past life, there naturally wasn't anything to be reserved about. Especially when things felt good and pleasurable, she would involuntarily react out loud.

"Oh….no…..highness….."

The inadvertent cries from her small mouth made the person on top of her even more excited.

The Jing Prince remembered the teachings from the books. In bed, during these kinds of moments, when the woman cries out "no" or other words with similar meaning, it was actually the opposite. Especially since he really liked this little flower's appearance as she pleaded with him. This appearance was very different from the several times in the past. Exactly where it was different the Jing Prince didn't understand, but he could see that she was expressing pleasure.

The scarlet tender petals were glistening with moisture, adding a few shades of decadence to the air. The Jing Prince clearly treasured it as he lingered over it. Compared to the past clumsiness, it was much, much better. Although Xiao Hua was extremely shy, she also quite liked it. Between rejection and welcoming, it seemed that welcoming won out in the end.

Moving upwards, the Jing Prince squeezed the soft flesh in his hands, his lips moved onto the jade-like neck as he said with a hoarse voice: "You going to come?"

Xiao Hua froze, but was distracted again by the continuous movements.

Right as she was muddleheaded and semi-conscious, she once again heard, "Wanna come?"

Xiao Hua really wanted to check her ears. Can those words be used like this? What was he trying to say? She blinked her eyes innocently and looked at the still face of the person above.

"This servant, servant concubine, doesn't….ah, doesn't understand…."

The Jing Prince's movements became rigid for an instant before starting again. Only after pressing and rubbing against Xiao Hua's cherry lips many times did he speak again, "Like it?"

This she should understand, right?

Xiao Hua's face blushed, and thinking back to the word "come" she seemed to understand the Jing Prince's meaning a little. This person, who knew where he learned such dirty talk….1

Although she thought this, she remembered the many bedroom tricks of the 4th young master in her past life. She knew that men loved to make women talk dirty in the midst of their pleasure.

But this wasn't suitable to use on the Jing Prince, the fallen immortal!

She hesitated further, and was asked once again by the stubborn Jing Prince. She could only blush, circle her arms around his neck and whisper by his ear, "Like it, this servant concubine likes it to death."

Since she was in ecstasy to begin with, despite feeling shy she also felt stimulated in her heart. Especially since these words encouraged him to use even more strength in his actions. Xiao Hua felt her mind going blank, and the legs wrapped around the Jing Prince's waist involuntarily tightened.

Therefore, the Jing Prince also liked it.

The Jing Prince hadn't gone back to the Hall of Splendor in several days. He would leave from the western pavilion in the morning, and head straight to the western pavilion when he returned.

Those in the western pavilion were happy, but Eunuch Fu was extremely worried.

This day the Jing Prince returned from the front court and finally went back to the Hall of Splendor. The moment he entered the gates he discovered something was strange.

He glanced at the seemingly extra "well-behaved" Eunuch Fu who had his head lowered on the side, and his eyes flashed.

As expected, the Jing Prince had just sat down briefly when Eunuch Fu said his old catchphrase: something about the hall being too dull and needing some extra brightness.

The Jing Prince sighed in his heart and gave him another glance.

"Up to you."

Eunuch Fu happily ran out the hall like in the past. The Jing Prince felt a little headache.

The hall was scarily quiet. In the past he had enjoyed this solitude, but at this time he felt something was missing even though he still thought it was good.

The Jing Prince took a sip of tea, his heart restless as though missing something, but wasn't able to figure out what it was.

Yesterday the Jing Prince had permitted Xiao Hua to enter the Hall of Splendor. Last night she hadn't felt at ease and asked once again. Only after making sure the Jing Prince had ordered it and that she wouldn't be stopped at the gates did she come over today.

The low-ranked eunuch guarding the gate looked at the dramatically changed Madam Hua, and he bowed lower than he had in the past.

"Greetings to the madam."

This door guarding low ranked eunuch was still the same one. Xiao Hua naturally recognized him. She gestured for him to rise, and had Ding Xiang give him a little monetary reward. This low ranked eunuch repeatedly refused, not daring to accept the bestowal, but still allowed Ding Xiang to forcibly stuff it over.

"Honored eunuch, I would like to enter. Would it be possible?"

That low-ranked eunuch's face was full of smiles, "Naturally it's possible. The orders were already passed down last night. This one can block anyone from entering, but wouldn't dare block madam."

Entering the Hall of Splendor once again after a long time, Xiao Hua felt as if it were another world.

Along the way, there were many palace maids and eunuchs who greeted her. Xiao Hua's heart felt a little stifled, but she maintained her smile and didn't reveal anything.

Xiao Xia Zi greeted her from afar with smiles heaped on his face and his mouth flattering, "Greetings to the madam."

"Xiao Xia Zi, it's you! Hurry and rise."

"Being remembered by the madam is this Xiao Xia Zi's blessing."

Xiao Hua covered her mouth and laughed, "This Xiao Xia Zi has learned to be smooth."

Xiao Hua rarely went outside normally. Only after coming out today did she realize that she was really different from before. This feeling was especially clear in the Hall of Splendor. The people who were once aloof now all greeted her with smiling faces.

Xiao Hua naturally understood the reason for the change in their attitude. The Jing Prince bestowing things repeatedly in the last few days was one reason, and her being able to enter the Hall of Splendor today was another.

Xiao Xia Zi was someone she was familiar with in the past. When she was a low-ranked palace maid, his chin was raised. When she entered the hall, his chin was level. Once she started "serving" the Jing Prince, his chin was slightly lowered, but he didn't engage in flattery. After she became a madam and was about to move to the western pavilion, she was able to see the top of his head. Coming back this time, she was able to see his back.

This feeling struck a rather heavy blow, making Xiao Hua slightly lost in thought and feeling rather uncomfortable. Luckily her ability to conceal things wasn't bad, and she also snapped out of it very quickly.

"Look at your silver tongue. Ding Xiang."

Xiao Hua slightly tilted her chin and had Ding Xiang hand over the bestowal. It was just a small silver ingot, but Xiao Xia Zi acted especially exaggerated, unable to close his mouth from happiness.

Xiao Hua had never expected to end up in such a situation at this moment in time. In her past life it was all she wanted. In this life, she somehow inadvertently ended up in this position. But she didn't reject it. It was still that same old saying. There were all sorts of people. Seeking benefits through flattery was something that could be seen everywhere. People had to adapt to their environment for many things.

This was true for both Xiao Xia Zi and herself.

"His highness is within the hall." Xiao Xia Zi leaned in closed and spoke quietly.

Xiao Hua understood his meaning, but only said: "I'm here this time to see Nana He. His highness is definitely busy, right?"

The last part was said intentionally, meaning that Xiao Hua wasn't planning on going inside to bother the Jing Prince. Xiao Xia Zi understood tacitly, and he switched back to his normal tone, "Then allow this lowly one to lead madam over."

They walked along the courtyard towards the back. Suddenly a splash of eye-catching color appeared in the usual grey yet imposing Hall of Splendor.

Xiao Hua's footsteps faltered. Xiao Xia Zi looked over and cried out in his heart.

But Xiao Hua didn't ask anything and continued walking. Her expression didn't show anything.

Xiao Xia Zi snuck a glance at Xiao Hua and exclaimed in admiration inside. This Madam Hua is just so unperturbed. Just based on this steadiness alone, she already surpassed those few people by a lot.

After thinking, he pretended to be leading the way and kept his eyes to the front while quietly saying: "Those few were arranged by Eunuch Fu in the courtyard a few days ago. They were specially found, and have yet to enter the hall itself."

After speaking, he turned his head and bowed with a smile. He spoke with a raised voice, "Since madam doesn't need Xiao Xia Zi to lead the way, Xiao Xia Zi will take his leave."

Xiao Hua smiled and nodded.

Ding Xiang was also a steady one. She didn't reveal any surprise at seeing Xiao Xia Zi's performance, and supported Xiao Hua as they continued forward.

They walked all the way to the small kitchen where they found Nana He as expected.

"Nana, Xiao Hua has come to see you."

"Xiao Hua lass, oh, it should be Madam Hua now."

Xiao Hua said in annoyance: "Nana, you're also trying this act on Xiao Hua. I knew I shouldn't have come so hurriedly to see you."

Why Nana He had her come to the small kitchen, Xiao Hua currently had some idea in her heart. She naturally was extremely grateful for Nana He's act of kindness. Especially since Nana He had always treated her well. Her words just now weren't intended to be aggressive.

Nana He chuckled, "Alright, alright. Nana won't tease you anymore. But the proper etiquette should still be observed."

Ding Xiang stood guard by the doors. Xiao Hua and Nana He were alone in the kitchen.

After sitting, Nana He said quietly: "You should know why I had you make a trip now, right?"

Xiao Hua bit her lips and hesitantly nodded her head.

"That's fine then." Nana He smiled, and nonchalantly raised her voice saying, "The soup Nana brews for you needs to be drunk daily. It's good for your body."

"Xiao Hua always drinks every last drop of Nana's soup."

Nana He stroked Xiao Hua's hair and lowered her voice, "Doctor Hu is treating your body while Nana helps nourish it. The two combined will make things improve much faster. Strive to give birth to a little royal descendent earlier."

"Nana…" Xiao Hua was touched, her voice a little choked up.

"Nana can't help you with the rest, this is all I can do."

Ever since Xiao Hua arrived at the small kitchen, Nana He hadn't directly mentioned the fact that Eunuch Fu had arranged people inside. After all, on the surface Nana He and Eunuch Fu were on the same side. She only warned her due to her personal feelings. Nana He thought that if Xiao Hua could understand, then she'll understand. If she couldn't understand, then she would leave it at that. Luckily Xiao Hua was never a dumb one.

As for Nana He saying that she "can't help with the rest", not only did it signify her position and concealment, but it also represented her own attitude. She would be unbiased, and couldn't do any more than that.

Despite this being the case, Xiao Hua was extremely grateful.

How could the Hall of Splendor have someone who would express goodwill to others for no reason? It's just that everyone had their own considerations.

Xiao Xia Zi also came from the palace, but he had been young at the time. When he followed the Jing Prince to the vassal state, he was just thirteen years old.

Xiao Xia Zi lived a hard life. He had been given to the palace at a very young age in exchange for money. He muddled around for several years, and was merely the lowest ranking manual labor eunuch. He ate the worst food, and did the most tiring work. Not only this, he was also bullied and oppressed by the higher-ranked eunuchs.

As the unfavored fifth prince was sent out of the capital, the palace maids and eunuchs arranged by the palace to go with him were also unfavored ones. From Xiao Xia Zi's perspective, his life after arriving at the Jing Province had improved by way too much.

It's just that it couldn't be compared to others. The eunuchs who had been by the Jing Prince's side and spent the longest time with him all received good positions. This included that youngster An Chen, who became responsible for the Jing Prince's personal everyday tasks due to his relationship with Eunuch Fu. His future prospects definitely wouldn't be bad.

As for those like him who were arranged by the palace, they still remained low-ranked eunuchs who did manual labor.

Everyone had ambitions, especially those who were castrated. Without a root they couldn't have descendants, and their lives belonged to their master. Only money and status could move them.

But Xiao Xia Zi didn't have this opportunity.

Although serving inside the Hall of Splendor seemed to be a glorious thing, in reality, the Jing Prince's personal affairs were handled by Eunuch Fu, the everyday affairs by An Chen, and the rest by Eunuch Chang. What was left to him were all the tasks that no one else wanted.

Xiao Xia Zi struggled along like this for several years, and felt at a loss in his heart.

Was he to remain a low-ranked eunuch doing manual labor for the rest of his life?

Xiao Xia Zi had seen how Madam Hua came in initially, and how she received attention, promotion and finally favor. It could be said that he understood Madam Hua more than Eunuch Fu did. This was because he had always been observing her from the very beginning.

This sort of observation was at first only because he was arranged to instruct them in various things, and didn't have any other intentions. Yet as the apathetic highness gradually took her to heart, Xiao Xia Zi had also grown more serious and adaptable in his observation.

Xiao Xia Zi's heart was especially flustered when Eunuch Fu once again arranged people into the Hall of Splendor.

This was the two of them ending up at odds with each other!

For Eunuch Fu to achieve his own goals, it was inevitable that he would be at odds with the other side. Especially since anyone would feel uncomfortable with the few people he had found.

Xiao Xia Zi never underestimated the effect women could have on men. Otherwise, how could Senior Concubine Xu in the imperial palace struggle against the empress for several decades without being at a disadvantage. She had precisely relied on the effect she had on men.

Others thought Madam Hua's situation currently looked bleak. But according to him, the outcome was not guaranteed, and he actually felt Madam Hua was in a better position. Xiao Xia Zi wanted to offer her his aid in this difficult time.

Of course, he didn't have the intention of replacing anyone, and merely wanted to rise a little higher. After all, for a futureless eunuch, doing manual labor forever was something worthy of despair.

Furthermore, he wasn't overstepping his bounds too much. He merely expressed a little goodwill and offered some conveniences.

Xiao Xia Zi quietly came to switch the Jing Prince's tea. After hesitating a little, he said quietly: "This servant saw Madam Hua just now."

The Jing Prince's gaze swept over. Xiao Xia Zi tacitly understood, and said with lowered eyes and a raised, joyous voice: "Madam went to the small kitchen to find Nana He. This servant went to lead the way but madam said she didn't need it. She still bestowed some silver to this servant."

The Jing Prince remained expressionless but his gaze softened.

"Invite madam over."

Eunuch Fu stood on the side. These words weren't clearly directed at anyone and Xiao Xia Zi didn't dare to be presumptuous. After all, Eunuch Fu's methods made him shiver all over just thinking about it.

"Highness, this old servant will go." Eunuch Fu finished speaking and walked out.

Xiao Xia Zi's emotions were complicated. He knew he should have spoken up to do it, but he didn't dare be too obvious in front of Eunuch Fu.

Eunuch Fu left the hall and called An Chen to invite Madam Hua over. He turned and busied himself with other things.

Translator's notes:

Minor spoilers in the author's words below. Nothing unexpected really, just a general vague summary of how the plot is expected to progress.

Author's words:

Cough, cough, Repressed Jing got led astray by Barbarian Yan's books.

Those who are eager to hit Eunuch Fu's face shouldn't be too hasty. This plot wasn't written for the sake of face-slapping, and also isn't to make things difficult for the male and female leads. It's still mainly to drive the relationship progress between them. Their use is merely to raise the relationship between the male and female lead, taking it to the next level. (Just like how some people are saying Repressed Jing's feelings for Xiao Hua still aren't clear, and Xiao Hua still isn't really in love with Repressed Jing. This is precisely what this development is for)

Eunuch Fu will be taught a lesson and these passersby will also disappear. Once they are of no more use, they will disappear. Therefore, everyone shouldn't panic. Won't bully the female lead, won't bully the female lead, won't bully the female lead. Important words need to be said thrice.

A traditional, reincarnated girl would always have to accept the thought of a husband who has many wives. She isn't a modern person with modern views. Therefore, there needs to be something to provoke her into becoming "overbearing". That's what the little bit of use is for them, to prepare for the future where only she is favored. After all, many things aren't given by others, but instead obtained by oneself. Xiao Hua was never a fool, and her EQ is actually very high. This can be seen from how she pulled Repressed Jing into her hands bit by bit.

Eunuch Fu also isn't trying to court death. He actually can clearly see certain things, but pretends to be ignorant. He is afraid in his heart, but is willing to go to any extent for his goals.

Aiya, spoiled things again.

This part was hard to translate. In the raws, what he said was "is it efficient/brisk?" which apparently is also slang for "yeah, you like that?" or something similar. Unfortunately I couldn't quite translate it that way since it needs to be something that Xiao Hua wouldn't understand right away, and also has to be different from his usual "Like it?" Hopefully this is acceptable, and doesn't reveal my limited "dirty talk" ability…

88

Xiao Hua idly chatted with Nana He a little longer before saying farewell.

After leaving the small kitchen, she felt a little at a loss.

The people Eunuch Fu arranged, the situation she herself was pushed into, the situation in the rear court, her body's condition…all these things taken together made the meaning behind Eunuch Fu's actions quite obvious…..

There was a feeling of fear, and one of helplessness.

Does this sort of highness really need to be shared with others? Her instinctive reaction was an overwhelming flood of unwillingness.

"Madam, shall we go back?"

Xiao Hua nodded.

Before taking more than a few steps, An Chen came towards them.

An Chen's smile was very bright, but Xiao Hua saw that it was superficial. This was because she had seen An Chen's superficial smile toward others in the past. This low-ranked eunuch only smiled sincerely towards a select few people.

"Madam, his highness heard that you came and summons you to the hall."

Xiao Hua let out an "oh", and followed An Chen along with Ding Xiang.

An Chen was Eunuch Fu's disciple. The two of them were naturally on the same side, right? Based on An Chen's attitude she could see Eunuch Fu's current attitude towards her.

Was it because of her body's condition? Eunuch Fu couldn't wait any longer and thus arranged low-ranked palace maids into the Hall of Splendor.

She knew she shouldn't feel this way, but Xiao Hua couldn't help but feel betrayed.

At the same time, a voice in her head said that she had no justification to feel this way, since she herself was pushed forward by him.

The Hall of Splendor was still the same as before, yet entering once again it seemed like another world.

Especially since so many things had happened the moment she entered the rear court. Therefore, as Xiao Hua entered the hall and saw the Jing Prince sitting within as he did so long ago, she felt a feeling of unfamiliarity.

The man that she had become extremely close with over the past days was suddenly a stranger again.

"Greetings, highness."

After saluting, Xiao Hua stood there blankly with her head lowered.

The Jing Prince frowned and felt a little unsettled in his heart.

"Come."

Xiao Hua slowly approached and stood in front of him.

The Jing Prince pulled her over with one hand, and had her sit on the recliner next to him.

After she sat, he stroked the ends of her hair by her temples, and only spoke after a while, "What's wrong?"

Xiao Hua raised her eyes and saw the unperturbed gaze and seemingly emotionless man in front of her, and suddenly the feeling of closeness was back again.

She felt a little like laughing and also a little like crying. She ended up rubbing his finger and saying quietly: "Nothing much."

The ends of her hair were stroked once again. Xiao Hua's rubbing motion on his finger never stopped. As she rubbed, she ended up using her hand to grab his large hand and squeezed it tightly, as though she never wanted to let go.

A burst of footsteps sounded out. Xiao Hua turned her head to look.

Eunuch Fu was all smiles as he strode in, bringing with him a bright party of low-ranked palace maids.

They were elegant and supple, even lithe. They stood with various postures and expressions, each with unique appearances. They were all extremely beautiful young girls.

"Highness, this old servant has brought these people for you to take a look at." Eunuch Fu said to the Jing Prince.

His attitude was extremely natural, as though he hadn't seen Xiao Hua who was sitting on the side. He also made it appear that bringing these people, who were only supposed to enter the hall the next day, at this time was no big deal.

The Jing Prince didn't make a sound, and appeared the same as he did in the past. He took a glance and moved his gaze away.

Xiao Hua however stared blankly, her mind thinking back to when she first entered the Hall of Splendor. At that time, his highness was also sitting in this spot and didn't give her a second glance. Yet as of today, she was so intimate with him….

As she was lost in thought, one of the people standing in line slightly raised her head, sending a curious glance towards Xiao Hua who was sitting above.

Xiao Hua was thunderstruck, looking at that person's eyes.

Having lived two lives in this body, Xiao Hua was naturally aware of what her eyes looked like.

That pair of eyes was too similar to her own. Both had eyelids that were relatively more curved, the inner corners slightly tilted below, and the outer corners vaguely slanted. The shape was like a peach blossom petal. Due to her young age, they appeared a little unripe. What was clearly a charming pair of eyes were unable to express their seductive appearance due to the immaturity. However, that same immaturity paired with those eyes resulted in its own extremely attractive charm.

Xiao Hua looked instinctively towards Eunuch Fu's face below, and saw that he was still beaming, his eyes rather full of meaning.

The words Xiao Xia Zi said not long ago seemed to echo in her ears, "Those few were arranged by Eunuch Fu in the courtyard a few days ago. They were specially found, and have yet to enter the hall itself…"

Specially found, specially found…

At that instant in a brief lapse, Xiao Hua's hand started trembling slightly.

"What's wrong?"

Xiao Hua shook her head and didn't dare look at the Jing Prince. She didn't dare look to see if he had noticed that person's eyes. She didn't dare guess how he would react after seeing that person. She didn't dare think about anything…

"This servant concubine remembered that highness's clothes haven't been finished yet, and will head back first."

She put on a calm appearance and finished speaking before fleeing in a panic.

The Jing Prince had noticed something was off at first, but was distracted by the mention of the clothes. His mind was focused on her thoughtfulness, and didn't notice Xiao Hua's abnormal appearance. There was even less need to mention her inappropriate behavior.

After Xiao Hua left, Eunuch Fu bowed and asked: "Highness, how do you think we should arrange things?"

The Jing Prince stood up and was too lazy to even look, "Up to you." He went into the study.

…

Seeing Xiao Hua walk out of the hall in a panic, Ding Xiang who had been waiting outside the hall came over.

"Madam what's wrong?" Eunuch Fu had used the side doors to bring the people inside. Ding Xiang who had been standing by the main doors naturally didn't see anything.

Xiao Hua shook her head, took a deep, deep breath and did her best to pull her lips up in a smile.

"Nothing."

As they walked out of the Hall of Splendor, the door guarding low-ranked eunuchs still had the flattering smiles on their faces.

Ding Xiang felt Xiao Hua's cold, clammy hands and still felt something was off. Thinking of the low-ranked eunuch's words from before, she felt a little anxious.

After getting back to the western pavilion, Ding Xiang sent everyone out.

Only then did Xiao Hua sprawl onto the kiln, unable to regain her energy for some time.

"Madam, did you anger his highness?" Ding Xiang couldn't think of any other explanation for her being summoned and then leaving so soon after.

Xiao Hua shook her head.

Ding Xiang saw that her expression was off, and said: "This servant will pour some tea for you first."

Only after slowly drinking some tea did Xiao Hua stabilize her emotions.

She looked at Ding Xiang who was next to her with an extremely powerless feeling, "Ding Xiang, Eunuch Fu brought the people into the Hall of Splendor."

Ding Xiang was shocked at first, and then felt very complicated. She didn't know what to say.

What could she say? Didn't Madam Hua come in the same way initially?

Although Madam Hua was now a madam, with half a mistress's status, within the overall royal family she was merely a small concubine. With the Jing Prince's attitude being an exception, such a low ranked concubine truly wasn't enough for Eunuch Fu, who was both someone close to the master and the general manager of the estate, to take seriously.

Back in the imperial palace, Ding Xiang had seen too many out-of-favor concubines suck up to those eunuchs. Although this wasn't the palace, there wasn't any difference.

"I saw someone who looks a lot like me within the group of people." Xiao Hua said with a trembling voice.

This time even Ding Xiang wasn't able to maintain a calm expression.

This, this…

"Nana He sending me that slip of paper was for this purpose. Only when I saw it with my own eyes did I understand what Xiao Xia Zi meant by "specially found", hur hur… …"

This laugh was clearly a laugh, yet it sounded like a sob.

"Madam, don't overthink it…" Apart from this, Ding Xiang really didn't know what to say.

"Should I feel pleased with myself? Should I feel proud of my accomplishments? Specially found…."

Although she had clearly told herself she shouldn't be like this, she still couldn't help herself. She was too clear on how amazing Eunuch Fu's methods were. She was even clearer about the Jing Prince's attitude towards Eunuch Fu.

Was she enough for others to take seriously? Was she enough?

Having seen Eunuch Fu's gaze earlier she understood his meaning. Although he didn't say it outright, the two of them were well aware in their hearts…

"Madam…"

Hearing these words, Ding Xiang inexplicably felt like crying. She had always respected Eunuch Fu since he was very close with Auntie Qi. But why did she feel like cursing him now? Cursing him for doing such a thing. Wasn't this just stabbing madam's sore spot with a knife?

The western pavilion was scarily silent. After a long, long time, a listless voice sounded out.

"I'm going to rest for a while. No one disturb me."

Xiao Hua went to the bedroom and Ding Xiang didn't dare follow.

Thinking of Ding Lan and Chun Cao whose faces were filled with doubts as she sent them out, she opened the doors to the main residence.

"Big sis Ding Xiang, just what on earth happened?" Chun Cao asked immediately after entering.

None of them were fools. When Madam Hua came back just now, her expression was too ugly. Along with Ding Xiang's attitude, they naturally knew something major had happened.

Ding Xiang wearily shook her head and didn't know what to say.

"Where's madam?"

"Keep your voice down. Madam went inside to rest, and doesn't want to be disturbed."

"Just what on earth happened? Hurry and tell us, I'm worried to death."

Chun Cao wasn't the only one panicking, even Ding Lan's face was filled with worry. Ding Xiang motioned Ding Lan to close the doors before pulling both of them into the western room. After summarizing the situation, since madam hadn't told her everything, Ding Xiang told the two of them what she had heard and what the madam had said.

After Chun Cao finished listening, her expression was ugly and weird.

"This Eunuch Fu, isn't he treating others too contemptibly? Isn't this clearly treating our madam with contempt?"

"Don't say these words outside. If others knew about it…"

Ding Xiang didn't finish the rest of her words. Thinking of Eunuch Fu's methods, Chun Cao couldn't help but shiver.

"So we can only let him bully our madam? What about his highness? Also not saying anything?"

Ding Xiang shook her head silently, "Madam didn't mention his highness's reaction."

"It's definitely the case, definitely the case. Men are all easily distracted by novel things. His highness definitely saw the fresh beauties and abandoned our madam to the side. Otherwise madam wouldn't have sorrowfully gone to rest."

Xiao Hua would always find some time for herself when her emotions were chaotic, while giving the excuse of "resting for a while, no one disturb". Also, Chun Cao's theory was a little too laughable. Xiao Hua was only fifteen, how much fresher than that could someone get?

Ding Xiang's emotions were also a mess. Hearing Chun Cao's words she felt a little like laughing, but also felt that she was being improper, and in the end all sorts of complications combined into one sentence, "These words cannot be said outside."

Ding Lan was also looking miserable on the side. Fighting over favor with others was one thing. Now Eunuch Fu popped up, and brought an entire pack of fresh-faced low-ranked palace maids that looked extremely like madam into the Hall of Splendor.

The tower closest to the water gets the moon first. This was a fact that everyone looked down upon yet its effectiveness couldn't be denied.

What should madam do?!

The Jing Prince had only sat in the study for a little bit when Eunuch Chang came in with a stern face.

Seeing his hurried behavior, the Jing Prince's expression also turned serious.

"Highness, Mister Huang's side is asking for you. It seems something has happened in the capital."

The Jing Prince Estate's intelligence organization would always provide two copies of their reports. One copy would be sent to advisor Huang Qin, the other would be sent to the Jing Prince.

Because the news was fragmented, it required someone to organize before something could be gleaned from it. This task was far too menial yet also extremely important, and was thus handed over to Huang Qin to deal with. Since the Jing Prince had reincarnated, he knew a few things others didn't but he couldn't reveal how. He also knew that if he didn't fill himself in, many smaller details would slip through the cracks. Therefore, he would also take a copy of the report to analyze during his free time before comparing both of their conclusions.

However, the Jing Province's daily official affairs were already quite a lot to handle, and the Jing Prince was also very busy. Occasionally Huang Qin's side would have things completed earlier by a bit. If the news was trivial then it wasn't a big deal, but if things were slightly more important he would invite the Jing Prince over for discussion.

Since the Jing Prince knew the seriousness of the situation, he hurriedly rushed to Huang Qin's living quarters within the estate.

Huang Qin lived in an unnamed pavilion on the side of the Hall of Deliberation. Because there were many important things in his pavilion, servants were not permitted to enter. Not only were there guards outside the door, the Jing Prince had even arranged for some trusted aides to guard on the inside.

Within the study, the table was buried beneath imperial documents. Behind the table sat a rather hallowed old man with an elegant figure, his expression slightly anxious. This was the Jing Prince's trusted advisor Huang Qin.

Seeing the Jing Prince walk in, he didn't even bother saluting before having the prince take a seat.

"Mister Huang, what is it?"

Huang Qin also didn't bother with pleasantries, and directly said, "There is news from the capital. The crown prince has submitted a memorandum to the emperor asking to reduce the military authority of the vassal princes."

These words made the Jing Prince's expression directly turn dark.

With the Jing Prince's usual apathetic personality and expressionless face, something that was able to make him have such a large reaction was naturally no small matter.

Perhaps in his last life, the Jing Prince wouldn't have understood what military authority meant for a vassal state and its prince. He also had no desire to understand back then. But in this life he couldn't have been clearer. If the vassal prince was a person, the military authority of his vassal state would be the vassal prince's bones.

Could a person still stand straight if his bones were reduced?

These five years were neither long nor short. The Jing Prince had spent a lot of effort on his vassal state. Others didn't understand but he himself knew very clearly. He had finally managed to put his own man in as the vice commander of the troops, and the vassal state's military authority could be said to have fallen into his hands. Now there was this sudden development.

"Has his majesty permitted it?"

The moment he spoke, the Jing Prince knew that his question was a little ignorant. If he had permitted it, Mister Huang's expression wouldn't be like this.

Thinking of the events in his past life, the Jing Prince was slightly relieved.

"Don't panic, let's observe the developments." He ended up comforting the other instead.

Huang Qin didn't know whether to laugh or to cry. He stroked his beard and said: "Highness, this old man naturally knows that panicking isn't of any use. With those two holding down the fort in front, there shouldn't be any major effects."

Those two referred naturally to the Jin Prince and the Qi Prince. The two princes birthed by Senior Concubine Xu was rather favored by the emperor, to the extent that even the crown prince would have to be cautious if it weren't for his status as the crown prince.

"Who knows what this crown prince is thinking. His majesty has just recovered from a major illness. Submitting such a request at this time, isn't he just stirring things up?"

The Jing Prince's understanding of the crown prince was only based on the impressions of his younger self as well as the intelligence reports he received after moving to the Jing Provinve. He naturally wasn't able to say much at this time.

"Highness, has there been any news from that side?"

Two years ago, the Jing Prince had managed to arrange a mole by the crown prince's side. Huang Qin naturally knew about this, but since it was such a sensitive detail, even he didn't know who the mole was. He just knew there was such a person. That person didn't seem to be trusted much by the crown prince yet since the secret intelligence the mole managed to gather was far too little.

The Jing Prince shook his head and Huang Qin sighed slightly.

"This thing cannot be rushed. We can only keep an eye on the developments for now."

The two of them had another round of discussion before the Jing Prince left Huang Qin's pavilion. After going to the Hall of Deliberation, he called for Eunuch Chang.

"Send a message to the person by the crown prince's side asking about the situation there."

Normally the Jing Prince rarely let his subordinates contact that person. But only with inside information could the truth about the current situation be discovered.

"Yes."

Parte superior do formulário

89

.

The capital.

Within the eastern palace, the crown prince heard that the imperial tutor was asking for an audience and bid him enter.

The moment Imperial Tutor Bai entered, he asked in an urgent voice: "Crown prince, you submitted a memorandum to reduce the vassal princes' military authority?" Before the sound of his voice faded, he spoke again: "What a muddleheaded move! How did you come by such a notion?"

The old man appeared aggrieved and bitter.

The crown prince's imperial tutor Bai Zhong Zhu was already sixty-seven this year. He was a virtuous and reputable person, and also extremely knowledgeable. Since he had taught the crown prince from a young age, he never refrained from telling him the truth as he saw it.

Imperial Tutor Bai spoke quite frankly, but Crown Prince Luo Zhao was a young man after all. It was one thing to be scolded by this old man as a child, but now that he was already over thirty years old, being scolded as a child would inevitably make him feel extremely annoyed.

The crown prince's initial smile instantly slid off, and an inexplicable flame rose in his heart. But since this imperial tutor was conferred by his royal father, he wasn't foolish enough to disrespect his teacher. He could only force himself to maintain his smile and say: "Why does imperial tutor say so?"

Although he said this, the crown prince was extremely disapproving in his heart.

The Grand Xi Dynasty's feudal system was extremely lenient towards the vassal princes. But how could the crown prince be willing to let others snore beside him on his narrow bed? It was like having a blade to his back.

The current emperor had five princes who were of age. The eldest son of the principal wife was conferred the crown prince title and remained inside the capital. The other four were sent off to various vassal states. The second prince Luo Jin was conferred the title of Jin Prince and sent to the Jin Province. The third prince Luo Qi was conferred as the Qi Prince and sent to the Qi Province. The fourth prince Luo Huai Yuan was conferred as the Yun Prince and given the Yun Province. The fifth prince Luo Jing was conferred as the Jing Prince and sent to the Jing Province.1

Out of the princes, the Jin Prince and the Qi Prince were birthed by Senior Concubine Xu and were brothers by blood. Senior Concubine Xu had been favored for several decades, and her sons were both well regarded. Not only were their vassal states the most fertile, they even repeatedly received various bestowals, making the show of favoritism extremely clear.

While the crown prince's memorandum was in regards to all the vassal princes, it was merely his scheme against the Jin Prince and the Qi Prince.

Imperial Tutor Bai was already old after all, and having hurried over the entire way he had already been huffing and puffing. After catching his breath, he said: "It's taboo, taboo, understand? You've already been the crown prince for around twenty years. You are the eldest and born of the principal wife. Being the crown prince is as expected, and you will become the emperor in the future. Why would you make things difficult for these small vassal princes at this time? I know that crown prince feels restless with the Jin Prince and the Qi Prince watching daily like tigers watching their prey. But the vassal princes can currently only mobilize their honor guard troops without approval from the imperial court, and those number less than ten thousand. The regional militia and the guards appointed by the court are all overseen by the commander. What need is there to worry?"

Without waiting for the crown prince to speak, he continued: "His majesty fainted inside the royal court several days ago. Just as he got better, you submitted this memorandum requesting to reduce the vassal princes' military authority. Have you considered what his majesty would think?"

The crown prince could no longer maintain his expression at this time.

"Imperial Tutor Bai, are you not overthinking things? This humble one is the crown prince, and royal father is this humble one's royal father. Can I not even submit a request? Isn't it just a few lowly vassal princes? There's no need to make such a big deal out of it."

"It's precisely because they are just lowly vassal princes that you cannot submit such a request. Don't forget, they aren't just vassal princes, they are also your brothers—"

Before he could finish, he was interrupted by the crown prince, "It's better if imperial tutor doesn't think of this humble one on the same level as them. This humble one still has some matters to take care of. Imperial tutor, please take your leave."

Imperial Tutor Bai still wanted to say something, but Eunuch Chen Qi came over, bowed, and gestured for the guest to leave.

"Honored imperial tutor, please—"

Imperial Tutor Bai could only leave helplessly.

This crown prince was becoming more and more unwilling to listen to advice. In the past he was still willing to listen to a word or two, but as of now he was more stubborn and arrogant. He needed to keep in mind that until he sat on the throne, the outcome was still uncertain.

Ai—-

After Imperial Tutor Bai left, the crown prince sat behind the desk. The more he thought about the damn old man's words, the more annoyed he felt. He inadvertently started complaining to Chen Qi who was standing on the side.

"Sometimes this humble prince wonders whether this imperial tutor is this humble prince's tutor, or whether he belongs to those two good brothers of mine."

Chen Qi was around thirty years old, his face pale and hairless. He wore a sunflower embroidered collared gown. Hearing the crown prince speak, he half bent his waist and replied vaguely: "The imperial tutor is probably overly concerned with highness's reasons. He is quite old after all."

That's true now that he thought about it. It was rare for people to reach seventy. The imperial tutor was almost seventy already, no wonder he was so fussy every day. He was also more and more muddleheaded.

"Then do you also feel this humble prince made a mistake, and is very muddleheaded?"

It seemed like Imperial Tutor Bai's words had still left an impression on the crown prince. He just wanted to maintain his image, but was still nervous in private. This was the reason he started speaking to the person next to him about it on this rare occasion.

The crown prince didn't expect Chen Qi to respond. After all, he was just a eunuch. What could a rootless person know?

Unexpectedly, Chen Qi pondered seriously for a while before responding: "This servant also feels the imperial tutor his being a little alarmist. After all, highness is the crown prince who is beneath one person and above ten thousand others. Submitting a memorandum to reduce the vassal princes' military authority is perfectly reasonable." After a pause, he hesitantly said: "Especially since his majesty is already old. Highness having such thoughts is also normal. After all, it's better to be safe than sorry."

After speaking, Chen Qi's face suddenly turned pale, and he knelt to the ground with a thud, saying fearfully: "This servant accidentally let his tongue slip. Please have mercy, crown prince."

The crown prince waved his hand, "Get up. This humble one asked you the question, you are not guilty of any crime."

Chen Qi was a eunuch who had only in the last few years emerged at the crown prince's side. Eunuchs often entered the palace at a young age, and wouldn't have had much of an education. Yet this Chen Qi was rather cultured, and was also extremely sharp. He would often make suggestions that happened to agree with the crown prince's own views. The crown prince grew fond of him, and raised him to serve at his side. As of today he was one of the people the crown prince relied on a little. When the crown prince encountered some problems, he would occasionally talk about a few things with him.

Chen Qi stood up and said: "The imperial tutor advocates caution. However, the current state of things is being glared at like prey by tigers. Highness crown prince is currently only reacting to things as they happen. Using this memorandum to figure out his majesty's thoughts at least makes it possible to make some preparations."

The crown prince had already felt Chen Qi's initial words aligned with his own thoughts. But what he said afterwards made his thoughts light up repeatedly and made him sit up and take notice. Cheng Qi this castrate being able to think so deeply naturally amazed the crown prince and made him very appreciative.

Because of the crown prince's memorandum, the court was currently in turmoil. Some people were in support of it, and others were opposed. These days the military and civil officials had gotten into several arguments in court.

Everyone had their own views and reasoning. Those in favor said the vassal princes were becoming more and more unrestrained, and a well-trained and powerful army in their hands presented a threat to imperial power. It was only reasonable to reduce their authority. Those opposed to it clung onto the rules laid down by the ancestors. Although vassal princes had the regional militia, they only obeyed the imperial court's deployment orders. There was no need to overlook and overdo things. Not to mention the creation of the vassal states were precisely to preserve familial relationships…

Then, Emperor Xi also made his reaction to the memorandum known.

The crown prince received the ruling on the court notice that stated the large words "lacking in brotherly affection".

Although he had been mentally prepared, the crown prince was unavoidably extremely astonished and extremely angry.

He was astonished that his royal father placed a lot of emphasis on those two lowly people after all. He was angry at Emperor Xi for only placing emphasis on those two lowly people, and not noticing what they were doing in the privacy of their vassal states.

Actually the crown prince had only submitted the memorandum out of helplessness. He already had several subordinates submit court notices regarding the Jin Prince and the Qi Prince's irregular movements in their vassal states. However, he didn't have concrete evidence. But discerning people could see at a glance that as long as someone was sent to investigate, there would be results. However, Emperor Xi always turned a deaf ear, and even dealt with the officials that submitted these court notices. The crown prince, in his helplessness, was forced to act himself and submit a memorandum.

Unfortunately the result was extremely heartbreaking. At least, the crown prince was heartbroken.

In his rage, he smashed everything in the study. After smashing, he even lifted his leg to stomp down a few times for good measure. Upon seeing this, Chen Qi immediately pounced over and held his leg fast, crying "highness this won't do", and completely disregarded his own knees which were slashed by the broken porcelain and drenched with blood.

After the crown prince calmed down, he felt that this servant protected his master wholeheartedly after seeing Chen Qi's state. Once his anger faded, he called for someone to apply medicine for Chen Qi.

Unexpectedly, Chen Qi continuously shook his head, "Highness, this servant's body is lowly, no need for highness to worry about it."

"Complete nonsense. No matter how you put it, you got hurt because of this humble one. Treating your injuries isn't a big deal!"

Chen Qi hesitated over and over before saying: "Highness, the current situation is different from usual. His majesty has just sent you a rejection notice, and everyone's attention is focused over here. We cannot let anyone know what happened in this study. Otherwise, if his majesty hears about it, he would think you are dissatisfied with him. This lowly servant's wounds can be taken care of by himself back home."

The crown prince also understood this reasoning, and didn't express anything as he let Chen Qi take his leave. However, he inevitably viewed Chen Qi a few times more favorably.

At this moment, Empress Xiao also secretly sent someone over to relay a message. It was just five words: "close the doors and reflect".

At this time, the eastern palace shut its doors tightly. The crown prince actually shut himself in to reflect.

Right at noon, Empress Xiao had her personal palace maid tidy up her appearance before hurrying over to the Violet Imperial Hall.

Outside the gates of the Violet Imperial Hall, she ran into Senior Concubine Xu who had come out after paying respects.

Senior Concubine Xu was already over forty, but time had left no traces upon her. Her physique was still as delicate and exquisite as ever, like a soft willow in the wind. Her eyes contained a hint of gentleness, and her appearance was extremely simple and neat.

Empress Xiao was the opposite. Graceful and luxurious, her entire body was filled with prestige. Although she was older than Senior Concubine Xu by a few years, she still didn't seem old and appeared to be a little over thirty. The women in the palace spent a lot of time maintaining their appearance, and the two of them had the highest status out of all women under the heavens. No wonder they still looked to be in their prime without any signs of deterioration.

"Greetings to the empress!" Senior Concubine Xu complied with palace etiquette and respectfully saluted Empress Xiao.

After rising, she gently smiled: "Is big sis here to visit his majesty? His majesty is in great spirits today. It's all due to big sis empress's heartfelt care these past few days."

Empress Xiao twitched her lips at Senior Concubine Xu, "His majesty is the monarch, and is also this seat's husband. This seat will naturally wholeheartedly care for him."

After speaking, Empress Xiao led the people behind her into the Violet Imperial Hall.

Senior Concubine Xu smiled at the empress's back before taking the personal palace maids at her side towards her own Chunluan2 Palace.

Inside the Violet Imperial Hall.

"Empress, I've told you long ago you didn't have to work so hard. As the empress, there's no need to personally do these things. What are all the servants for?"

"Majesty, look at what you're saying. You are the monarch, and also this servant's husband. If husband's body is sick, can't this wife of yours serve you?"

Empress Xiao's last few words made Emperor Xi involuntarily laugh. The anger that had been caused by the crown prince these past couple days suddenly vanished. Especially since the empress never asked him for leniency regarding the crown prince's matter as he reprimanded him. Her attitude was still very natural as she came to serve him medicine every day, making the Xi Emperor feel satisfied in his heart.

Apart from satisfaction, he also felt a little lament.

"The crown prince is really too immature."

Hearing this, Empress Xiao didn't show any fluctuations. She took the medicine, tested out the temperature and started helping the Xi Emperor drink it down.

Only after the Xi Emperor finished drinking did she sigh and say: "The crown prince is a little immature, and didn't think things through properly. How could he listen to others and submit such a memorandum. Our Grand Xi Dynasty has always had these regulations for the vassal princes, and we've always followed the traditions. The vassal princes have military authority, but that's also within the imperial court's control. They're also his own brothers. No idea what that child was thinking."

Hearing Empress Xiao's unbiased words, the Xi Emperor ended up holding her hand and saying comfortingly: "The crown prince is still young. He cannot be blamed for occasionally trusting those beside him. We can only blame those who are inciting things on the side. Those kinds of people cannot be spared."

The Xi Emperor seemed to have forgotten that the crown prince was over thirty. He wasn't young anymore.

"You majesty, you don't have to let the crown prince off. This servant saw that once he was reprimanded, he had shut himself in the eastern palace in reflection. It's clear that he didn't do it intentionally. However, even if it was unintentional, mistakes are mistakes, and you should properly punish him for it."

Empress Xiao's attitude made Emperor Xi extremely pleased, and he responded: "Alright, it's fine to instruct the child a little when he makes a mistake. There's no need for empress to be too strict. After all, Zhao'er is the crown prince. It's fine if he reflects for a few days. Otherwise outsiders might think our father son relationship isn't harmonious."

Empress Xiao let out a sigh of relief in her heart, but also felt a trace of coldness. She put on an annoyed act: "You just like to spoil him!"

The Xi Emperor roared with laughter, "As his mother you are so strict, so as his royal father I naturally have to protect him a little. Otherwise this child will be bullied by you."

These words didn't sound like something the dynasty's son of heaven and his empress would say, but rather something a market household's husband and wife would say when their child misbehaved.

But what things were really like on the inside, no one was clearer about it than Empress Xiao who had accompanied Emperor Xi for several decades.

Empress Xiao spoke with Emperor Xi for a little longer before helping him lie down and rest. Although Emperor Xi was supposedly healthy again, the imperial physician had also said it's best for him to be resting outside of holding court.

After leaving the Violet Imperial Hall and returning to the Fengqi3 Palace, Empress Xiao let out a breath in relief.

Thinking back to Emperor Xi's words, her heart was miserable.

His words hadn't been false. As his wife for several decades, she still understood him very well. But because she understood him too well, she could also see his intent to avoid the issue.

Emperor Xi wasn't some brilliant strategist, but he was still an intelligent ruler. His only problem was his ear was a little soft, especially towards that Senior Concubine Xu.

No one was willing to see their husband increasingly favor another woman, even if it was the empress who was supposed to be the role model for all women under the heavens. He had even repeatedly bent the laws for that woman's sake. Otherwise, Empress Xiao wouldn't have had to struggle with Senior Concubine Xu for several decades.

Emperor Xi indeed cherished Zhao'er, but he cherished Senior Concubine Xu's two sons even more. That sort of cherished love made Senior Concubine Xu's ambitions run wild, and Empress Xiao could only remain on the defensive.

Empress Xiao often involuntarily wondered if she wasn't his main wife, if they weren't married for several decades, if she wasn't his empress, would the palace already be within that woman Senior Concubine Xu's hands?

There was no answer for this question.

Things had already gotten beyond the point of heartbreak and grief. Empress Xiao's heart had long since been filled with pain. All she wanted now was to see the crown prince safely ascend to the throne.

This time's memorandum was also to test out the waters. Since the crown prince got reprimanded, it was clear Emperor Xi was not willing to comment on the idea of reducing the vassal princes' military authority. She knew that a lot of this was due to Senior Concubine Xu's moves behind the scene, but it wasn't like she didn't make her own preparations. Luckily she was familiar with his majesty's personality, though it was still a close call.

Based on her current calculations, Empress Xiao knew they couldn't act rashly, and had a trusted aide pass on her message to the crown prince.

The crown prince had been apprehensive and restless this whole time. After receiving Empress Xiao's message, he let out a breath of relief knowing that his royal father didn't intend to blame him. Despite this, his actions became more tightly diligent when he went to pay respects in the Violet Imperial Hall every day, and he also presented a note of repentance to Emperor Xi.

After reading the note, Emperor Xi was extremely satisfied with the crown prince, and the last bit of dissatisfaction towards the crown prince in his heart vanished.

For this case, Emperor Xi ended up punishing an auxiliary official within the eastern palace. The reason was that he had led the crown prince astray into doing something wrong. Luckily the crown prince had suddenly repented and ended up back on the correct path.

As for what really happened, those old officials in the court were quite clear about it.

The crown prince had probed the two vassal princes out and ended up fighting to a draw. The only unfortunate one was the scapegoat who "led the crown prince astray".

Having muddled along in the court for so many years, these old officials were all extremely sharp. They had stayed out of things from the very beginning. As for those with less understanding who jumped right in, their outcome was the same as those mortals who suffered calamity when immortals fought.

Of course, these were all minor details that didn't cause any waves.

Despite saying that they wouldn't really be affected, how could they feel at ease if things didn't have a real conclusion?

The news from the capital entered the Jing Prince Estate in a steady flow. After various analysis by the Jing Prince and Huang Qin, both of their hearts gradually relaxed.

The news from the mole had also arrived, and after comparing both sides, the Jing Prince was mostly clear regarding the capital's situation.

To put it plainly, the burning city gates ended up causing calamity to the fish in the pond. Luckily there was more smoke than fire in this case.

What the Jing Prince didn't expect was both sides would start probing each other out this early in this life. After coming to this conclusion, he also prepared to make some changes to his own plans.

Having gotten busy, he had no free time to stop by the western pavilion.

After being occupied for the entire day, it was already midnight by the time he returned to the Hall of Splendor.

The normally tall and upright Jing Prince had been buried behind his desk these past few days. He was also accustomed to not shifting his posture. Although it wasn't clear on the surface, Eunuch Fu could tell that the Jing Prince was walking rather stiffly.

After sitting down in the hall, the Jing Prince had planned on going to the western pavilion. But looking at the time and remembering that he had to get up early, he decided against it.

"Does highness feel some discomfort in your bones?" Eunuch Fu asked on the side.

Seeing the Jing Prince remain silent, he spoke again: "It's a shame it's already late. Madam Hua has definitely gone to bed already, or else we could have her help you loosen up. It would definitely be more comfortable."

When Xiao Hua was mentioned, the Jing Prince's rigid face finally turned a little warmer.

Thinking of that little flower, the Jing Prince remembered her fussing as she helped him loosen up. Things like not maintaining the same posture for too long, having to move around after sitting for a while, and even if he didn't get up he should stretch his neck a little to prevent things from being stiff and uncomfortable….

He slightly stretched his neck a few times, which made a few slight cracking sounds.

Eunuch Fu was given a fright, though the Jing Prince didn't feel anything. He only felt that stretching his neck made him feel alive all of a sudden, and that he wasn't as wooden as before.

Alive was alive, but he still felt extremely sore.

"Highness, since this is for the sake of your body, this old servant has considered that since Madam Hua is a madam, we cannot always have her do so much work. This servant specially found someone who knows how to massage. How about having that person massage you a little?"

The Jing Prince didn't think too much about it, and only remembered how tired Xiao Hua had been the last time. He felt Eunuch Fu's words made a lot of sense and didn't refuse.

If he could get loosened up, he wouldn't feel as sore in the morning.

Eunuch Fu's face revealed happiness and he went off to arrange it.

After a while he came back and to arrange the location for the Jing Prince's massage.

It was still that same recliner where Xiao Hua first helped the Jing Prince loosen up. After Xiao Hua left the Hall of Splendor, the slightly elevated recliner had never been switched out. Even the initial embroidery was still there.

"Highness, how about taking a bath before starting?"

Having observed so many times, he had learned a thing or two. Eunuch Fu knew that Madam Hua would always have the Jing Prince take a bath before massaging him.

Eunuch Fu helped the Jing Prince sit down on the recliner and said: "This servant also brought over Doctor Hu's ointment. How about highness takes off his shirt?"

The Jing Prince muttered to himself for a bit before shaking his head.

Eunuch Fu didn't speak again. After the Jing Prince lay down on his stomach, he waved his hand and had the person enter.

The one who came in was shockingly the young girl called Qian Xi. She wore a small pink jacket, her waist pinched tightly and looking lithe. A pair of limpid peach blossom eyes were filled with curiosity and apprehension.

Eunuch Fu spent no little effort in arranging this batch of low ranked palace maids. Without mentioning anything else, he had even arranged someone to teach those he found some massage skills.

Eunuch Fu was rather fond of the young girl called Qian Xi. It wasn't just due to her appearance and her eyes. She was also an intelligent person and did her best in learning the skills. She was the most skilled out of these eight people.

Everyone had ambition. Eunuch Fu liked those with such ambition. All in all, Eunuch Fu didn't mind giving her a push to ascend.

The Jing Prince lay prone and naturally didn't see the person who had come. Only when he felt the contact against his back did he realize that it seemed to be a girl. He felt some revulsion in his heart, but since he felt sore all over he forced himself to endure it.

After a round of massage, he seemed to really feel much better. After being massaged for over half an hour, the Jing prince sat up. He naturally didn't see the out of breath young girl who Eunuch Fu had hinted to kneel with his gaze.

"Highness, do you feel better?"

The Jing Prince didn't say anything. He put on his shoes and walked out.

After the Jing Prince had gone to sleep, Eunuch Fu came out. Qian Xi was still within the hall and hadn't left yet.

"Eunuch Fu."

Eunuch Fu smiled and gave her a measuring glance, saying: "Very well done. This is a good start. Speak less and do more, it'll be good for you."

He saw Qian Xi's happy expression and flashing eyes.

He frowned and said, "Restrain your expressions a little. Your gaze should also be more restrained."

Qian Xi remembered what Eunuch Fu had said in the past, and half lowered her head.

Eunuch Fu looked again before nodding his head in satisfaction.

"That's better. Our highness doesn't like the restless ones."

Author's notes:

Yep, this is a super long chapter. Stealing the throne is something on the itinerary. This author doesn't expect to write about it in detail, and will bring it up in the future. But there still needs to be an introduction for everyone to understand the situation.

Not sure if the provinces are named after the princes or not. Half of them have the same character in their name as their title and their province. The fourth prince's name is different from his title and his province. The "Jing" in the fifth prince's name "Luo Jing" is written slightly differently from the "Jing" in his title and province.

Pure Luan (the mythical bird)

Phoenix Perch

90

The day Xiao Hua went into her room, she lay on the bed and pondered for a long, long time.

No matter how she pondered, she couldn't think through the obstructions in her heart. Her emotions were a complete mess.

She had thought that his highness would probably come that night, but even when the sky turned dark he had yet to show up.

Xiao Hua didn't eat dinner. The entire western pavilion was extremely silent.

After the last Chun Zhu left, a new "Chun Zhu" had been sent over. Because of what had happened, Auntie Qi had said "very clean" when she sent the new person over.

Ding Xiang understood Auntie Qi's meaning. This Chun Zhu thus started serving in the western pavilion.

When the master was favored, the servants would have a lot of face. Normally when walking in the estate, everyone would attach some importance to them. After what happened with the last Chun Zhu, the remaining three Chun Mei, Chun Lan and Chun Ju were all extremely well behaved. With the addition of the new Chun Zhu, the four of them all served carefully, hoping for the day they could serve by the madam's side like Ding Xiang and the other two.

There were very few inside the estate who didn't keep things in their mind.

Today when madam came back from the Hall of Splendor, Ding Xiang had strangely sent Ding Lan and Chun Cao out. Afterwards, the two of them had gone back inside but only the living room lamps were lit. The western room and madam's bedroom lamps were all dark. Along with Ding Xiang and the other two's expressions, the four low-ranked palace maids all understood that something major had happened.

Each of them shrunk their necks in, working lightly and carefully, deeply afraid of becoming the punching bag.

"Aren't we going to take a look?" Ding Lan said quietly.

Chun Cao's face was filled with worry, and she felt irritable on the inside. She didn't know how to vent her sullen emotions.

Ding Xiang's face was solemn. Seeing the other two's expressions, she said: "You guys should be more mindful. Don't act as if your parents had died just because the madam isn't happy. Our role as servants is precisely to make the mistress happy. When the madam gets up later, she will definitely feel unwell again after seeing your expressions."

Ding Xiang never let any opportunity to educate Ding Lan and Chun Cao slip by. However, they knew that Ding Xiang was teaching them for their own good.

"Big sis Ding Xiang, we understand. We definitely won't let madam notice anything."

After another while, Ding Xiang put down the things in her hands and went towards the bedroom.

It was dark inside, but the moonlight made it possible to see. Ding Xiang didn't light the lamps and walked in front of the bed curtains.

"Is madam still sleeping?"

After a moment, a voice that was slightly hoarse sounded out.

"Ding Xiang?"

Hearing the response, Ding Xiang lifted the curtains and walked to the bed.

"It's already very late. Madam should get up and eat some food."

"What time is it?"

"It's past dinner time."

"Oh, it's already this late?"

The voice carried a little hint of a sigh. Ding Xiang had to blink a couple of times to drive away the moisture gathering in her eyes.

"It's indeed time for food. How can I not eat, right?" Xiao Hua muttered.

"Then this servant will go arrange it."

Ding Xiang spoke, and then left to give the other two their orders. Although it was quite late, the Jing Prince Estate had many people. Apart from the Jing Prince and his harem, there were also various visitors, advisors, vassal officials and what not. Naturally there would be a stove left overnight.

In the past, there wouldn't be any food left once the time had passed. Now, Madam Hua was a favored concubine no matter how one put it. Getting some food from the meal management center was not a problem.

After Ding Xiang gave out the orders, she went back to the bedroom and lit the lamps before going to the bed and helping Xiao Hua up.

Hanging up the curtains on the golden hooks, Ding Xiang saw that although madam's face was pale, she seemed to have recovered her calm.

She didn't look much different from before. However, Ding Xiang felt miserable seeing madam revert from her lively self the past few days back to the state she was in when she first moved here.

She forced a smile: "Madam, this servant has Ding Lan going to the kitchen for some lamb meat hot pot with a couple pickled dishes. Mixed with sauce and eaten while it's hot, it beats anything. Weren't you especially fond of eating this kind of lamb hot pot in the past? This servant has always said eating this sort of food causes flare ups, so we haven't eaten it in a long time. Let's indulge properly this time."

That's right, it's been a while since they last had it. The Jing Prince had been coming regularly, and he preferred plain and simple foods. Xiao Hua hadn't eaten that sort of hot and spicy food in a while.

Xiao Hua smiled and said: "That's great. Since this busybody is finally not fussing about it anymore, I have to properly enjoy it. Have the kitchen make it a little spicier."

"That goes without saying."

Ding Xiang helped Xiao Hua quickly brush her hair and casually tied it up.

On the other side, Ding Lan worked fast and soon brought Chun Mei and Chun Lan back along with the food. In her hands was a steaming copper pot. Charcoal was added to a center compartment in the pot and soon the pot started boiling. The fragrant smell of lamb meat soup permeated throughout the room.

Xiao Hua sat at the table while Ding Xiang directed things on the side. "Add some more spice. Madam wants to eat a little spicier today."

There were several ways to eat this kind of lamb hot pot. One was to make it spicy, another was to keep it light and fresh. Xiao Hua liked to eat spicy normally, so the kitchen would always make the spicy version for the western pavilion.

However, the level of spice was not easy to grasp. If it was too light the master would be unhappy. If it was too heavy, the master would also be unhappy. Therefore, the kitchen's solution was to keep the spice at a minimum and provide additional spicy stock on the side. If it needed to be spicier, it can be added.

Ding Lan carried the bowl of spicy stock and added a little inside.

Xiao Hua looked at the pot and smiled: "Not enough, not enough. Put in some more."

Ding Lan scooped some more inside, and Xiao Hua said in annoyance: "It's not like this madam is eating your portion, why so stingy? Put in half the bowl of spice."

Ding Xiang's face revealed some concern. Ding Lan still poured half of it inside.

Once the spicy stock was added to the pot, the soup inside turned bright red and the nose stinging smell of spice filled the air.

"Isn't this too spicy?" Ding Xiang asked in concern.

Xiao Hua beamed, "No, no. I like it this way."

The hot pot only contained the broth. The lamb was cut into extremely thin slices on a plate, and was to be dipped inside before eating. The kitchen had sliced up two large plates of lamb meat, and based on Xiao Hua's appetite it was more than enough.

This sort of food tasted better when doing it yourself.

Xiao Hua didn't let others serve her. She picked up some meat with her chopsticks and dipped it into the pot.

It wasn't her first time eating this, and she naturally knew that the meat could be eaten after being dipped briefly into the pot. If it was left in there too long, it wouldn't taste as good.

The square table was filled up with the pot, two plates of lamb meat and various mushrooms and vegetables. There were also two plates of pickled side dishes and several smaller plates of pastries.

Xiao Hua ate heartily by herself. Eating the piping hot food lightened her spirits. She soon started sweating, and her face turned red either from the heat or the spice.

"Ding Xiang, is there honeyed chrysanthemum water?"

Xiao Hua had the peculiar habit of having Ding Xiang prepare some water while she ate heavily spiced or flavored foods. In the past it was plain water. Now it was changed to honeyed chrysanthemum water. It was just dried chrysanthemum boiled in water, without any tea leaves, and with some honey added. She didn't drink it hot, but had it left sitting until it was merely warm before drinking. She also insisted on a large jug.

The regular teapot wasn't large enough, so Ding Xiang specially prepared a large porcelain jug. How large? It was the size of the kettle that was normally used to boil water.

Knowing that madam was going to eat spicy today, Ding Xiang naturally had Chun Cao prepare it early. It was now at the perfect temperature.

"Naturally it's prepared." Ding Xiang said as Ding Lan brought the jug over.

"Use a bigger cup."

Ding Lan was all smiles as she poured the light yellow honeyed chrysanthemum water into a large cup and placed it by Xiao Hua's hand.

Therefore Xiao Hua ate even more freely. When she got overly burnt by the heat or the spice, she would take a large sip from her cup.

Seeing the smiling madam whose actions were very different from past, Ding Xiang let out another sigh in her heart.

"Madam, let this servant cook some vegetables for you." After speaking, she lowered her head and used her chopstick to put a few cabbage stems inside.

The steam swirled around Xiao Hua's face, making her face a little obscured. She mechanically grabbed another piece of meat, dipped it and ate. Then she grabbed another piece, dipped it and ate. She soon felt that it was too slow and grabbed a large batch with her chopsticks before throwing it all in. After they were cooked, she grabbed it out and put in in the bowl in front of her.

She ate it one bite at a time. She didn't eat fast, but she never stopped her movements.

Her cheeks were sore from the spice, and her mouth was numb. Xiao Hua did her best to continue eating until she finally reached the limit of her tolerance and tears started flowing.

"Bad Ding Lan. Why did you put so much spicy stock? You made this madam cry from the spiciness…" She laughed with her mouth but her hands still didn't stop.

The emotions pent up inside her couldn't get resolved no matter how she tried. She bottled it up, smothered it, endured it…..

Finally they all drained out along with her tears.

"…..but this flavor, it's really great…."

….

The next day, Xiao Hua had two pimples on her mouth.

There was some whiteness in within the yellow, making it look truly ugly.

Ding Xiang was panicked to death, truly afraid that the Jing Prince would come and see it. She forced Xiao Hua to eat lighter foods, and went to the medical center to get Doctor Hu to prescribe something that could reduce the flare up.

This sort of small problem made Doctor Hu have a headache. These sort of pimples on the mouth would get better in a little bit. Being helpless, he prescribed rhizome and honeysuckle medicine that reduced internal heat and had Ding Xiang soak it in water for Madam Hua to drink. He also gave a bottle of cooling ointment. He said to pick out the pimples with a needle and apply the ointment.

But things wouldn't get better for some time, and it probably needed at least three days.

Ding Xiang was helpless. She returned and tried various methods. Over the next few days, she forced Xiao Hua to eat lighter foods, and also mixed the medicine into water for her to drink. The honeysuckle wasn't a big deal, but the rhizome made the water extremely bitter. Luckily, Xiao Hua wasn't that spoiled. If she had to drink it she would drink it.

The pimples were also popped. During the popping, Xiao Hua teared up from the pain. After squeezing everything out, the ointment was applied.

Ding Xiang had done everything she could. If the Jing Prince still managed to encounter it, then she could only be resigned to this fate.

Xiao Hua smiled as she consoled Ding Xiang, saying that highness was busy and wouldn't come.

Luckily, the Jing Prince really didn't come over the next few days.

The pimples had finally healed, scabbed over and the scabs had fallen off. There were no signs left of those two disgusting pimples.

Xiao Hua finally didn't have to eat various light porridges anymore, and the world seemed to have gotten much brighter. Xiao Hua's smile grew more and more splendid.

What was the Jing prince?

Xiao Hua seemed to have forgotten, and the entire western pavilion forgot along with her.

While everyone seemed to have forgotten, Ding Xiang who always served by Xiao Hua's side did not forget. She would often see madam acting no differently, but when she was alone she would always seem unusually taciturn. Ding Xiang's emotions were extremely complicated.

Especially since his highness, in a rare display, had not come at all these past few days.

After enduring over and over, she still couldn't help but console.

"Madam, you have to think it through a little. It's normal for a man to have several wives and concubines…."

From Ding Xiang's perspective, this was something extremely normal. Especially in rich households, this was a common sight. If one couldn't get over it, there was probably no way to pass the days.

"This servant has seen many favored concubines during her time in the palace. But what is favor? It's all just an illusion. It seems very beautiful, but it can vanish in the blink of an eye. Those who can think it through will enjoy their favored days properly and do their best for a child. That way they have something to rely on in the future….."

"Spending one's own days well is more important. The rest is all fleeting…"

Xiao Hua understood Ding Xiang's words. But understanding and accepting were two different concepts. In her past life she could adapt very quickly to circumstances. But in this life, she just wasn't able to. What should she do?

Therefore, every time Ding Xiang mentioned this, Xiao Hua would become uncharacteristically silent and stop smiling.

Ding Xiang saw madam's taciturn face and let out a sigh.

Madam was still young after all!

Author's notes:

Releasing this chapter is probably going make some people run after this author to give a beating, (crying face) but this is a necessary stage that needs to be overcome. If Xiao Hua can't overcome this, wouldn't she still be at a loss when faced with troubles in the future? (Of course, this is just hypothetically speaking, this author wouldn't do that) But she has to come to this understanding herself. Tomorrow, spring will come and the flowers will bloom. The rain clouds will be brushed aside and the moonlight will be revealed.