Counterattack of the Cannon Fodder Chambermaid

by Usui Takumii

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

10. 91 to 100

91

After a few more uneventful days, the Jing Prince arrived.

It was a bright and beautiful afternoon. The Jing Province's spring seemed to have just arrived. The courtyard's trees were green and the flowerbeds were blooming. Gardeners came every day to tend the flowerbeds. It felt like it hadn't been that long and there were already green sprouts shooting up, and a few faintly discernable flower buds were present as well.

The Jing Prince had come, but Xiao Hua hadn't seen the flowers bloom nor the birds call.

She seemed no different from before, but also seemed extremely different from before.

The little flower was clearly the same, but the Jing Prince still felt a little twisted in panic.

"What happened to you?"

Saying this, the Jing Prince stroked Xiao Hua's hair.

Because of this little gesture with the Jing Prince, Ding Xiang would always leave Xiao Hua a strand of hair sticking out on the side of her temples regardless of her hairstyle. Every time the Jing Prince stroked that spot, Xiao Hua would feel the warmth of spring and flowers blooming. These days she didn't leave that strand hanging, and had tied it all up. The Jing Prince's hand had paused before falling onto her hair.

"Nothing much."

The Jing Prince looked at his own hand, and then looked at her. She had her head lowered and he couldn't see her eyes. The finger that would always be stroked by her twitched and seemed to be a little at a loss.

He purposefully placed his hand in front of her, but there was still nothing.

The Jing Prince felt a little depressed. After thinking a little, he placed his hand on her hand, but there was still nothing.

The Jing Prince was depressed for a while, but his weariness ended up covering this unclear emotion. He had truly been too busy these past couple of days. He stole some time off to come to the western pavilion just to see her, and rest for a while.

Unknowingly, he fell asleep.

Despite not wanting to look over, Xiao Hua did so anyway after not sensing any movement from that side.

He had fallen asleep, and was fast asleep.

She grabbed the thin blanket from the kiln and carefully covered the Jing Prince with it.

Xiao Hua's actions seemed to have startled the Jing Prince awake. He moved a little and pulled her into his arms. It was just like before. She curled up in his arms and he wrapped one arm around her waist as they napped together.

The emotions in her heart surged and threaten to choke her up. Xiao Hua endured for a long while before finally pushing it back down. She steadied her breathing for a long time before closing her eyes and stopped thinking about anything.

The Jing Prince only awoke after dark.

The two of them were each helped with washing their faces, and dinner had already been served.

After eating dinner, the Jing Prince took a bath first. After the Jing Prince was done, Xiao Hua also went.

The bed curtains were lowered, concealing the charming scene inside.

The Jing Prince moved in close, one hand on Xiao Hua's nape as the other roamed about below. Their lips and tongues intertwined above and his hand rubbed and pinched teasingly below.

Compared to the past, the Jing Prince's current skills were far too good. Having done this for some time, the two of them were very familiar with each other. The Jing Prince knew which places would make Xiao Hua let out a few sweet sounds, and he also knew how to make her feel good. After a few rounds, the area beneath his hand was dripping wet.

The Jing Prince's fingertips that were placed on that area rubbed a little once more, and he felt the person in his arms shiver all over from excitement. His breathing grew heavy, putting pressure and teasing the spot, and even inserted his finger inside up to the first knuckle and moved about.

Xiao Hua hadn't wanted it, but was teased by him until her mind went blank, and had even been stimulated by him in that embarrassing area.

Her mind was filled with all sorts of nonsense as she wondered whether he had done this with other people.

Her vision went black and she couldn't endure any longer.

At this moment, the Jing Prince got on top, parted her slender legs and thrust himself inside.

She had still been experiencing the aftershocks of her climax, and being penetrated at this time Xiao Hua's vision went black once again. An extremely shaky cry erupted from her throat.

She didn't care about whatever propriety in her heart anymore. She hugged his neck and wildly moved her lips over his neck, chin, and lips. Her hand also didn't forget to move around. Her legs wrapped tightly around that firm, slender waist without leaving any gaps.

"Xiao Hua'er, gentler, gentler" The Jing Prince urgently said by her ear.

Xiao Hua had already lost control by this point. How could she pay attention to these words? Her eyes were red and seemed like they were about to drip water, her hands moved about wildly, her mouth let out cries as she urged, "highness, keep moving"

The Jing Prince did hear this, but how was he supposed to move when he was squeezed like this?

Seeing her aroused to this extent, he could only use his hands to force her slender legs apart and put them on his shoulders. He lowered himself and directly thrust the daylights out of her.

"Ding Xiang, has his highness woken up yet?"

Eunuch Fu walked in and asked. Since the Jing Prince often stayed the night at the western pavilion, he had arranged a room for Eunuch Fu to stay in overnight as well. However, Eunuch Fu always got up very early. He had come asking about it before the crack of dawn.

"General Manager Fu, his highness hasn't awoken yet." Seeing Eunuch Fu, Ding Xiang's thoughts were very complicated.

Eunuch Fu let out an "oh" and sat on the side.

Only after another half an hour passed was there movement in the bedroom.

Eunuch Fu walked inside and asked with a low voice: "Is highness planning to get up?"

There was a low sound of affirmation. Eunuch Fu waved his hand and several low-ranked eunuchs came in carrying a copper basin, warm water, hand towels, light salt, basin for the mouth rinse and the Jing Prince's clothes that he planned to wear today.

These were all prepared in advance. The Hall of Splendor's low ranked eunuchs that were used to serving the Jing Prince had brought them over before dawn. Luckily, since this happened quite often, everyone had gotten used to it by now.

The palanquin bed's curtains remained shut, and those standing outside stood solemnly at attention.

A faint trembling movement sounded, and a soft, lovable yet also slightly hoarse voice rang out, "Highness is leaving? This servant concubine will help you get dressed."

"You sleep."

"Oh."

Xiao Hua lay on the bed still a little fuzzy. Seeing the person dressed in his underwear prepare to leave, she couldn't help but call out, "highness…."

The Jing Prince turned his head. Although he didn't say anything, he seemed to be asking what was wrong.

Xiao Hua shook her head, smiled a little and shut her eyes.

She thought that he had probably left, but she unexpectedly felt someone stroking her hair.1

Xiao Hua opened her eyes and saw that apathetic yet extremely handsome face in front of her eyes. Although he wasn't smiling, she could tell there was a smile in his eyes, and a tenderness that made her heart stop.

"Sleep a little longer."

She nodded her head, and closed her eyes once again.

She told herself to hurry and fall asleep without letting her imagination run wild. But she couldn't resist pricking up her ears and listening to the movements outside. Only when she heard the footsteps fade did Xiao Hua's tears come pouring out.

She didn't know how much time went by when she head Ding Xiang's hesitant voice from outside the curtains.

Xiao Hua let out an "en" without knowing what was going on.

Outside, Ding Xiang let out another sigh.

"Madam, let this servant say some improper words. Why do you make things difficult for yourself like this?'

These days, Ding Xiang had always kept an eye on madam's attitude and felt worried in her heart. She thought that since she was young, having encountered a setback suddenly she would have gotten better after a few days. His highness came yesterday and the two of them had gotten along very well. The commotion last night was so large, she had expected madam to be full of joy. Unexpectedly, when she came to ask if madam wanted to get up, she heard the sound of suppressed weeping.

At that moment she understood that madam was digging herself deeper into the hole.

"Ding Xiang, I….." Xiao Hua whimpered a few words from inside the curtains, "….I just feel stuffed up in panic…."

Ding Xiang gritted her teeth and said: "Let's not discuss whether Eunuch Fu's actions were appropriate or not. Has madam forgotten that there is still the consort, Senior Concubine Qiao and the two Madams Yu in this estate?"

Xiao Hua lay inside as though struck by lightning, her face pale.

That's right, she had really been possessed.

Because the Jing Prince had solely favored her, because the Jing Prince had never visited the other places, she had become foolish. She had felt that person belonged to her alone. She had buried her head, not thinking about anything, not caring about anything, and pretended everything else didn't exist.

But she had gotten a shock this time when people entered the Hall of Splendor, especially since these people were very similar to her. They also had Eunuch Fu behind them pushing them forward. She thought of her own origin and of how she herself entered the Jing Prince's eyes, and she ended up panicking.

She was scared and she was hurt. She felt choked up with emotions…..actually, at the source, everything was merely due to her discontentment with the situation. What was there to panic about? There were bound to be others. That was how the world worked. Just like what Ding Xiang had said, it was natural for men to have several wives and concubines. She was just one of many.

But, but, why did she feel unreconciled in her heart? She was unwilling to yield him to others, unwilling for him to shift everything they shared onto some other woman.

She didn't show it on the surface, but in the few days he hadn't come she wildly thought he had someone new….

Otherwise, why wouldn't he come?

Then he finally came. She had felt uncomfortable, but in reality she had felt more ecstatic than anything.

She was just unwilling to let him see it. She had even thought: "Why did you come? I had finally calmed down, and with a little more time I would have become the sort of woman who ate and drank when she should and didn't make things difficult for herself."

But he had come, and the tenderness from before had come again, overwhelming her in an instant. Her mind got bewildered, her eyes got blurry. She hated how she couldn't keep him hidden, not giving him to anyone else…

She had never had these feelings before, even in her past life. This was because she had known the 4th young master wasn't a good husband from the get go.

His highness was different from the 4th young master. Xiao Hua wasn't able to say exactly what was different.

Xiao Hua lay in bed and silently recalled all her interactions with him….

From the beginning as she served in the hall, to when he wanted her, to when she moved rooms and he would come spend the night once in a while, to when she moved to the western pavilion due to the Jing Consort's scheme…..

Even when she moved to the western pavilion, he had remembered her. He would come once every three to five days. At that time, she had felt restless after moving to the western pavilion, and every time he came, even if he didn't speak, she would feel some comfort in her heart….

Xiao Hua understood how their relationship had slowly developed. It was entirely due to him liking her body.

In her past life she had often been cursed by others, saying she was a vixen who seduced others. She would often use some lowly moves to hook the 4th young master to her room, but she didn't feel it was shameful.

She still remembered long, long ago when she was still young, she had heard a saying from somewhere, "If a woman can't even serve her man well in bed, why would he be good to you"…..

At that time she didn't understand. Afterwards, having seen various people as she moved from household to household, she finally realized that this was indeed the case. Therefore in her past life, after getting together with the 4th young master, she had served him with all her heart for the sake of his support….

In this life, this was her initial goal as well. However, under his apathetic yet focused gaze, his clumsy yet considerate actions, and him stroking her back comfortingly….her goal had changed little by little beyond recognition…..

He was so, so good. How can she be willing, and how can she be resigned to yield him to others!?

Surprise, it's Eunuch Fu!

92

Within the light jade colored curtains embroidered with birds and vines, things had quietened down at some point.

The silence made Ding Xiang's heart tighten.

After an unknown amount of time had passed, some rustling suddenly rang out. Soon after, the curtains were parted and Xiao Hua's little face appeared. Her eyes were red and swollen but her expression appeared normal.

"Ding Xiang, I want to take a bath. Also I need to reduce the swelling around my eyes."

Ding Xiang subconsciously let out an "oh" and left before realizing she had forgotten her etiquette.

After bathing, Xiao Hua sat in front of the makeup counter leaning against Ding Xiang, allowing her to roll a peeled boiled egg over her eyes.

After a few rounds, Xiao Hua opened her eyes and looked in the mirror. She realized that the swelling had indeed faded.

She grabbed a damp towel and pressed it against her eyes a couple of times before applying some foundation on her face.

Xiao Hua applied a layer of makeup on her face, changed into a rose red jacket embroidered with fine silver clouds and a pleated skirt with scattered flowers amongst green threaded vines. She tied her hair up in a slanted butterfly bun, and left that strand of hair hanging out once more. She put in that butterfly hairpin behind her head. Feeling the slightly fluttering butterfly wings, her mood suddenly became exceptionally good.

After eating breakfast, Xiao Hua took advantage of the nice weather to take a walk around the courtyard. She then returned to the residence and continued working on the innerwear. She worked until noon. After lunch, she saw that the sun wasn't too harsh and took another walk before continuing to work on the clothes.

The Jing Prince came before dinnertime.

When the Jing Prince left earlier, he spent the entire morning feeling that Xiao Hua'er's expression was off. But he wasn't able to say what exactly was wrong with it.

After finishing up his work more or less, he came to the western pavilion.

As he entered, he saw her sitting on the kiln by the window, doing needlework with her head lowered. The afternoon's setting sun shone through the window upon her face, turning it a dazzling golden color. She had those fine hairs on her face, and the Jing Prince suddenly had the misperception that Xiao Hua'er was very young.

After thinking about it, she truly was very young.

She was fifteen, and he was twenty-six. She was younger by a whole eleven years.

Seeing the Jing Prince come in, Xiao Hua flashed him a smile from the kiln.

"Highness."

He nodded his head and sat on the side of the kiln. He tilted his head and looked at her hand movements.

The two of them were silent.

Ding Xiang served tea and placed it on the kiln's table.

Xiao Hua gave him a glance and stroked the strand of hair by her temples, saying: "This servant concubine is slow. It won't be finished for several more days."

The Jing Prince reached out his hand and stroked her finger, "No hurry."

He called Eunuch Fu inside and had him help change into inside clothing.

Xiao Hua carefully observed the Jing Prince for a while before noticing that he seemed to have gotten skinnier. His already thin physique seemed to have gotten even thinner. His brows showed a faint hint of exhaustion. She put down the needlework in her hands and helped him sit down on the kiln.

She offered him some tea and said: "Highness, are you tired? Should this servant concubine help you loosen up a little?"

"No need."

She stretched her hands out and felt his shoulders. They were stiff and tight. "But your shoulders are definitely uncomfortable."

The Jing Prince thought about it and stroked her hair, "Let someone else do it."

Such a movement was actually accompanied by words that stabbed at her heart.

Xiao Hua's expression froze and she raised her eyes towards him. He didn't look at her and instead gave Eunuch Fu a glance.

Eunuch Fu immediately bowed before walking out.

Thump thump thump…..

Her heart was beating very fast but Xiao Hua could only force herself to remain calm.

"Who's this someone else? Highness."

The Jing Prince muttered for a bit before saying: "Don't know."

His words were a little incomprehensible to Xiao Hua. Her thoughts were a mess but she could only force a smile and resume her sewing.

After a while, Eunuch Fu came in followed by a young girl.

Even though Xiao Hua didn't see her appearance, she seemed to have understood who she was.

It's her!

"It's this one."

The Jing Prince suddenly said.

Xiao Hua's muddled brain could still figure out that the Jing Prince was answering her previous question.

Eunuch Fu directed Ding Xiang whose expression was ugly to move the kiln table. That young girl kept her head lowered. Xiao Hua's head was pounding, making her face a little pale.

Based on the situation, it seemed this wasn't the first time.

"Oh." Xiao Hua realized her voice was trembling a little, and adjusted herself a little before asking: "Who is she?" in a curious tone.

"Don't know."

Only after hearing this did Xiao Hua feel a little more relieved.

She faked a jealous glance at him and said: "Now that highness has such a new beautiful low-ranked palace maid, this servant concubine is going to get forgotten in the future."

"That's not it."

Her hand was grabbed.

"It is."

"Won't.'

"Will."

She had thought her jealousy was faked, but unexpectedly as she spoke one phrase after another, she realized that there was no need to fake her voice that was filled with jealousy.

Looking at the face that was unperturbed as usual, she saw some helplessness in his eyes. Xiao Hua suddenly felt the warmth of spring and blooming flowers in her heart. The things that made her cry for so many days suddenly no longer seemed important. The impact that person brought had also completely vanished during this exchange of "will" and "won't".

Looking again at Eunuch Fu and that young girl who had her face lowered, Xiao Hua suddenly laughed.

"This servant concubine wants to see if she's as beautiful as this servant concubine."

The Jing Prince's eyes contained a little confusion.

How could this person be compared to Xiao Hua'er?

Xiao Hua didn't look at the Jing Prince's expression. Her gaze landed below, "Raise your head. Let this madam take a look."

The young girl's body froze and she gave Eunuch Fu a panicked glance.

Eunuch Fu smiled and said: "How could we let such a coarse low-ranked palace maid dirty madam's eyes?"

Xiao Hua glanced at the Jing Prince and half-puckered her lips.

"Raise your head."

Since the Jing Prince had spoken, Eunuch Fu could only lower his head.

That young girl slowly raised her head and revealed her entire face. Her gaze remained lowered and didn't dare look at the people above.

"Aiya, as expected! As lovely as a flower, such beautiful eyes….."

The lovable female voice sounded from above. Qian Xi knew that this was the legendary Madam Hua.

The Madam Hua which made Eunuch Fu look at her in a different light, the Madam Hua who was said to be spoiled by his highness, the Madam Hua who caused Eunuch Fu to punish Qian Xi to stand in the corner for half the day because she had accidentally raised her head, the Madam Hua who looked a lot like her….

Oh, no, it was her who looked like Madam Hua.

Although the people in the Hall of Splendor were all tight-lipped, she could tell she looked like Madam Hua based on their weird looks.

There were only two people who didn't have weird expressions. One was Eunuch Fu, but he was the one who had found her after all. Qian Xi had just about figured out his intentions over the past few days. The other one was his highness, but Qian Xi knew that he had never looked at her face from the start. It wasn't that he couldn't see it, but that he never bothered to look.

The Jing Prince's eyes never moved below. His gaze remained glued on the lovable, charming little face that had a rare hint of naughtiness, as well as the constantly opening rose-colored lips and the slender white fingertip that rested upon them.

"…why does this servant concubine feel that she looks very familiar?"

These words made Eunuch Fu's expression turn rigid, and also gave Ding Xiang a flash of understanding.

Madam, this was declaring war against Eunuch Fu!

"Ding Xiang, take a look. Don't you feel like she reminds you of someone?"

Qian Xi's gaze couldn't help flit upwards when Xiao Hua opened her mouth to say her eyes were beautiful.

The outstandingly fresh face contained moving charm. The fair skin was almost translucent. The pair of limpid peach blossom eyes were extremely familiar. She herself also had a pair. But Qian Xi had to admit that those eyes truly embodied the saying "a backward glance and a smile would birth countless charms"…

"She does look a little familiar, who does she look like?"

No matter what, Ding Xiang could only accompany the madam in acting out this performance.

Luckily the madam didn't force Ding Xiang to be the one to raise the topic as she muttered to herself: "…..why does it seem that she looks a little like me…"

The fleeting voice struck heavily at Eunuch Fu's heart.

Only at this moment did Eunuch Fu realize that the docile and harmless Madam Hua had never been a pushover.1

Because of these words, the Jing Prince's gaze finally moved over.

After half a moment of silence, his gaze moved to Eunuch Fu.

The room was scarily silent.

"Everyone leave."

The Jing Prince's voice rang out, and those in the room all left.

Xiao Hua was a little afraid to raise her head. It wasn't like she hadn't put on a performance in front of the Jing Prince before, but this was the first time she was around for the aftermath. Inexplicably, she actually felt her actions had been very wrong.

After a long while, the Jing Prince opened his mouth: "Accompany this humble prince to sleep for a while."

Xiao Hua got up on her knees, went to fetch the thin blanket and undid her own hair. Luckily her hair was done quite simply today and wasn't hard to undo. Finally she took off the butterfly hairpin and let her long hair scatter down. She carefully put the hairpin away in the cabinet next to the kiln.

The Jing Prince looked at her actions, and seeing her carefully put away the hairpin his heart softened and almost melted.

As she covered the two of them with the blanket and obediently lay by his side, he sighed in his heart and pulled her into his arms.

Xiao Hua's face was buried in the Jing Prince's chest. It was the same as before, but her heart was panicky, restless and apprehensive. It was filled with all sorts of emotions. During her performance, Xiao Hua hadn't looked at the Jing Prince's face the entire time. She was afraid to see something on it that she wouldn't be able to bear.

Suddenly she felt a hand stroking her back lightly, over and over. Xiao Hua turned rigid for a moment before relaxing her body.

It was still the same!

She still remembered that last time he had comforted her the same way.

In an instant, her tears could no longer be stopped and flowed out in a stream.

Eunuch Fu, you might be high and lofty, your status might be exceptional, your position in his highness's heart might be extraordinary, and you might be….

But, such a highness, such a good highness, how could I be willing and how could I be resigned to it! Therefore, I will not yield!

"…sorry, highness…I shouldn't have…..but I was afraid….."

She suddenly cried until she couldn't catch her breath. Xiao Hua clearly knew she shouldn't be like this, but she couldn't suppress it. These weren't tears of fear, but were things that had been suppressed inside and couldn't be clearly defined.

She could pretend to be calm, could put on a play to test out the Jing Prince, but when that large palm was placed comfortingly on her back just like in the past when she was completely helpless, she was no longer able to act strong.

"This servant concubine won't ever do it again….." she cried heart wrenchingly and the things she had kept hidden inside flowed out along with her tears. "This servant concubine had actually known long ago that Eunuch Fu had brought in some low-ranked palace maids. This servant concubine had always been worried. Especially after knowing they were all better looking than me, younger and prettier than me, this servant concubine's heart was deathly uncomfortable….."

As she cried, she wiped a deluge of tears onto the Jing Prince's collar and mumbled continuously with her mouth, "…highness hadn't come for so many days, this servant concubine was sure you had someone else already…"

"…today Eunuch Fu brought her over, that time in the Hall of Splendor this servant concubine had already seen her appearance…..if highness needs loosening up, this servant concubine is enough, why find another person….this servant concubine doesn't want to yield highness to anyone else, this servant concubine can't bear it….."

Xiao Hua spoke very disjointedly and obscurely, but the Jing Prince was right beside her and he understood her meaning. He didn't know how to stop her from crying, and he didn't know how to speak words of comfort. He could only continue stroking her back.

After another while, the movements in front of his chest finally stopped. She had also stopped crying and her body was extremely rigid, as though she had become conscious that acting this way was really bad. The Jing Prince continued comforting for a moment longer before saying hoarsely: "It wasn't this humble prince's idea."

"This humble prince didn't know what she looked like."

"Afraid to tire you out."

"Won't do it anymore in the future."

"Don't cry."

Makes sense since he was never present during the times she revealed her claws.

93

.

After that day, things seemed to have changed.

Exactly what was changed, Xiao Hua couldn't explain it clearly. She just knew that she liked sticking to the Jing Prince more and more. When he arrived every day, her heart would be filled with happiness. Whenever he was gone she would be thinking about him, and when he was there she couldn't get enough.

Xiao Hua knew that she had gotten a crush on the Jing Prince. She liked him more than she had liked the 4th young master initially in her past life.

She was clear that this was extremely dangerous, but she took the risk gladly.

Xiao Hua had naturally not forgotten about the situation over at the Hall of Splendor, but she was still extremely clear what she should and shouldn't say.

For example, she wouldn't put on an act in front of the Jing Prince. Even if she did, she would purposefully make it extremely obvious. This was because she knew men didn't like women putting on an act. Perhaps it would seem fine at first, but as time passed he would inevitably wonder whether her emotions were genuine this time or not. Being doubted by someone sharing her bed was naturally not a good thing!

Also in this case, she had never feared those young girls. The one she feared was Eunuch Fu.

The Jing Prince didn't give any orders, his actions and expressions were still the same as before. However, after a few days, a few things were revealed. From that day on, the Jing Prince hadn't gone back to the Hall of Splendor. He left for the front court from the western pavilion, and from the front court returned to the western pavilion. Sometimes he was clearly extremely busy and wouldn't return until midnight. There were many inconveniences at the western pavilion such as the meals and some daily matters, but he still never returned to the Hall of Splendor.

The sharp Eunuch Fu had never been dumb, and still had some understanding of the Jing Prince. He knew that the master was angry at him.

At this time, Eunuch Fu still chose to be stubborn.

He saw that his highness wasn't acting any different from before, and the one that accompanied him in and out was still Eunuch Fu himself. The only difference was that his sleeping and eating place had changed.

He thought that this Madam Hua was quite formidable. Had he ended up dropping a rock onto his own foot?! But the Jing Prince had also acted this way before in the past, so he didn't take it to heart.

They remained in a deadlock like this until the daily necessities in the Hall of Splendor slowly started being moved to the western pavilion one by one due to various "inconveniences". Only when the Jing Prince started sending him off on various errands while he was at the western pavilion did Eunuch Fu start to face reality.

At night.

Behind the light jade curtains were a naked pair.

"…this servant concubine likes your highness…..really likes, really likes….."

It wasn't clear whether the tears hanging in the corner of her eyes were from crying or from being loved too roughly. Both cheeks were tinted crimson on her small face which was tender and alluring. Her gaze was a little indistinct as her mouth continuously mumbled.

"Xiao Hua'er."

These couple days having heard Xiao Hua call out such things, the Jing Prince had become full of helplessness. At first he was astonished, and would ponder over it. Now he would wonder whether she was like this because she enjoyed what he was doing to her or because of some other reason.

However, these thoughts were always fleeting. What man would have the spare energy at such a moment to ponder over other things?

….

Xiao Hua's brain started working only after a long time had passed.

Perhaps the first time she had cried out unintentionally, but thinking it over, she didn't want to suppress this subconscious thought any longer. After several times, she also had some intentions to probe him out.

Unfortunately, the Jing Prince's reactions did not conform to people's expectations. He seemed very aloof, but to say he was completely aloof wouldn't be correct. Regardless, it was very unclear.

After the fact, Xiao Hua was too embarrassed to ask again, and could only pat her nose and admit defeat. She would continue the struggle next time.

After all, she just really likes, really likes him, ok?

He can interpret it however he wants. He can even think of it as a woman's performance for her man in bed.

Regardless, he seemed to like it a lot and she was also extremely satisfied. Might as well keep it that way.

The Jing Prince rolled over and the two of them adjusted their positions. Xiao Hua was curled up in his arms and was too lazy to move even a muscle.

"Did you come?"

Xiao Hua's expression became embarrassed. This wasn't the first time he had asked her this. Although she didn't really understand that word, she still understood the general meaning.

She really couldn't tell that this apathetic Jing Prince would have such an interest. Every once in a while he would bust out a shocking move or some shocking words, always making one feel bashful.

Just because Xiao Hua could do it doesn't mean it wasn't difficult for her to say it. After all, she was still young and this sort of extremely erotic talk was too embarrassing to say out loud.

If she responded smoothly, would the Jing Prince think that she was lascivious to begin with? When all was said and done, Xiao Hua still had a little propriety in her heart. This sort of decency was something all young ladies had. After all, she wasn't some top lady at a brothel. Her skills were decent but there was no way she could be so lewd.

Therefore, Xiao Hua chose to play dead.

But the Jing Prince had always been a stubborn person. This was apparent in his every action. Of course, this stubbornness was only expressed within his own vassal state's official business as well as in some hidden areas. This moment could be counted as well.

"Did you come?"

After a pause, he felt that Xiao Hua'er was too dense, not even able to understand this. He asked again: "Did you like?"

Xiao Hua could only say, "Like."

Thus the Jing Prince was satisfied in his heart. With a stiff face, he sat up and called for someone to prepare a bath.

The Jing Prince had always preferred to use eunuchs, and didn't like using palace maids.

Xiao Hua also wasn't sure where he picked up such an eccentricity, but she was extremely happy to see it. Of course, during intimate moments such as this, especially during the night after the two had finished doing the deed, there wasn't any eunuchs around and the two of them would have to do it themselves.

Even though the Jing Prince wasn't favored during his younger years, he was still surrounded by servants growing up. Normally he had someone help him get dressed, wash up and bath. How could Xiao Hua let him be the one to do things?

No matter how one put it, this man still treated her quite, quite well. Alright, it was very, very well. She couldn't bear making him do things himself. Even if she was limp and week, she would often take the initiative to take care of things. The only exception was if she was dizzy from their session that day. Otherwise she was extremely stubborn.

Things were different nowadays.

The coupling between man and woman was ideal to begin with. Together they were more than the sum of their parts. Doing it properly required both giving and taking. It wasn't like in the past where she had to forcibly endure it, ending up exhausted after being recklessly tossed about. Now she would still be completely limp, but it wasn't due to discomfort. Therefore, Xiao Hua was still able to do things like take a bath.

Ding Xiang led others to prepare water before leaving. The two of them went to the bathroom. Xiao Hua blushed as she looked at the Jing Prince while washing his body. After he was done, she tried to get him to leave but he acted as though he hadn't heard. Xiao Hua could only lower her body into the tub and carefully start washing herself.

The clear and crystalline waves of water only half concealed the tender and smooth fair skin. It was already a titillating scene to begin with, and paired with those rubbing motions it directly gave the Jing Prince a critical hit.

That person hugged her with a rigid face. His hands moved and his lower half wasn't idle either. Xiao Hua helplessly recalled those words she had heard from somewhere—

"If a woman can't even serve her own man properly in bed, how can she expect him to get along with her?"

Her own man.

This thought made her really shy!

Especially since this man's face still appeared to be very upright while doing all sorts of indecent things, making Xiao Hua's heart soft. She spontaneously pounced over.

After a round, half of the water in the bathtub had overflowed.

Xiao Hua was slightly embarrassed and lowered her head. She helped him wash up and also randomly cleaned herself up a little. After drying off and putting on their clothes, the two of them returned to the bed.

Not long after they lay down, the Jing Prince suddenly burst out with, "That place is too tight."

Xiao Hua was thunderstruck, and had no idea how to react.

What on earth was he saying?

"It got really wet."

What was he saying?!

As she fell asleep, Xiao Hua was still in an exceedingly embarrassed state. She didn't realize their thoughts were on completely different wavelengths.

Only after Eunuch Chang arranged for people to bring in a bathtub over twice the size the next day did Xiao Hua understand what the Jing Prince had meant.

Then, she wished she could find a hole to bury herself in.

The Jing Prince's things slowly filled up the eastern wing. The place wasn't big to begin with, and now it seemed to be a little packed.

Especially with the Jing Prince's books. The Jing Prince had brought over quite a lot of books to read now that he lived at the western pavilion. The eastern wing didn't have a proper study, and the books ended up inside large boxes. Every time he finished a book, Xiao Hua would get someone to dig up a new one, wasting a lot of energy.

Although the Jing Prince was a little unconventional, he wasn't without discerning judgment. There were many things that he might not understand but was able to see through the meaning behind.

Therefore the Jing Prince gave the order to let Xiao Hua switch her residence.

Don't overthink it, it wasn't anything else. It was still the same pavilion, merely moving from the eastern wing into the main residence.

The main residence had five rooms: three windowed and two without. There were also two auxiliary residences, one on each side, as well as the storeroom and shed and so on. The area was over twice the size of the eastern wing.

Now this was spacious!

The entire western pavilion was joyful. Without even mentioning the fact that they would live in a nicer place, switching residences in itself was proof of favor. Although Madam Hua's status hadn't changed, living in the main residence meant that she was this pavilion's mistress. Even if someone else moved into this pavilion in the future, the main residence would still be in charge.

Of course such disheartening thoughts weren't said out loud by anyone. Madam was finally happy again these past two days, and no one would be idle enough to find something for her to stress about. Relocating to the main residence was a good thing. It was all good.

This thing was given to Eunuch Chang to arrange.

"Eunuch Chang, where are you going?" Eunuch Fu saw that Eunuch Chang seemed busy and gave him a greeting.

Eunuch Chang leaned close, "Old Bro Fu, I'm working." Although he felt a little awkward, he did his best to maintain a natural expression, "Highness wants to switch residences for those in the western pavilion."

He only spoke until this point.

These days Eunuch Chang could also tell Eunuch Fu had encountered some setbacks. Although the master hadn't said anything, he was clearly angry. He merely didn't express it too clearly due to their previous relationship. Outsiders may not be aware, but Eunuch Chang was also someone who often served by the Jing Prince's side. He naturally understood Eunuch Fu's situation.

One was his direct superior who had trained him in the beginning. The other was his master. When the two of them were at odds, those stuck in the middle would feel extremely uncomfortable.

But despite the discomfort, he wasn't able to do anything about it. He could only accept it.

The relocation in the western pavilion was one such example. In the past this would have been handled by Eunuch Fu, but this time it was given to him. Otherwise Eunuch Chang wouldn't feel so awkward at seeing Eunuch Fu.

Eunuch Fu froze, and let out an "oh". "Hurry along then."

Eunuch Chang didn't say much else, and left with a "Then I'll be off."

If it were anyone else whose superior was at odds with the master, they would do their best to get rid of their superior. However, Eunuch Chang didn't have such thoughts. He knew Eunuch Fu's personality too well, and knew clearly his relationship with the master. Even if he had a hundred times the guts he wouldn't entertain such thoughts.

He did want to persuade him a little, but saying too much would make things worse, so he didn't say anything at all. Some things can be said, some things cannot be said. Some things can only be said by certain people. Some things cannot be said by certain people. As for him, he belonged to the latter type.

He didn't have any extra thoughts at the moment, and only wanted to properly complete the task his master assigned him. He was very clear of the current situation. The person in the western pavilion was solidly in his master's heart. Therefore, anything related to that side had to be done properly.

What was a good servant? It was one that performed his task in a way that made the master happy and satisfied. He really hoped Eunuch Fu could think things through. Why would he do these strenuous and thankless things? It's better for a servant to not be too opinionated.

94

.

The western pavilion's main residence had always been empty. Although it was regularly maintained, Eunuch Chang wanted to do things properly, and naturally had it renovated once again. Especially since it wasn't just Madam Hua living there in the future, but his highness as well.

Having fixed up all the edges and corners, Eunuch Chang personally went to the internal affairs area to pick out several pieces of furniture and decorations. Although a madam's allowance was naturally not too high, with the Jing Prince propping things up from behind the interior design could naturally not be lacking.

After all the renovations were done and the place was finally inhabitable, around ten days had already passed.

Over these few days, Ding Xiang and the rest had continuously been moving a few things over. Xiao Hua's storeroom had naturally long since been shifted. Everything that should be moved had been moved, and what remained could only be relocated after the people had moved.

The Jing Prince's books were organized by Xiao Hua, and included those he had recently brought over as well as those he had left behind in the past. Every book was carefully placed inside the large box.

While Xiao Hua was organizing the books, she accidentally saw two very strange ones. How was it strange?

The Jing Prince's books were usually exquisitely bound volumes. Of course there were exceptions, but those were mostly single books or what not. But there had never been such books that were merely wrapped in a paper cover with several words written on it. Especially since the titles were extremely weird.

Thus Xiao Hua picked them up and casually flipped through them. At first she merely gave a random few glances, but who would have thought that after looking, and looking some more, her face would turn bright red?

She finally understood where the Jing Prince learned words like "come"!

It was all taught by this erotic novel!

Although she was cursing in her heart, she also felt a little desire to read it. Especially since this erotic literature was filled with stories of men and women's passionate affairs, making it extremely attractive. She was deathly curious, ok?

Xiao Hua crouched there reading. As she read she felt like covering her face, but also wanted to continue reading.

After an unknown amount of time had passed, Ding Xiang came in, "Madam, how about letting this servant tidy up the books?"

Xiao Hua's lowered face was red and she hurriedly closed the book in her hands, saying: "No need. It's already done." As she spoke, she stuffed those two books inside the box, underneath the other books.

Ding Xiang also didn't think too much about it and helped put the lid on the box.

On an auspicious day, after the Jing Prince had long left for the front court, Xiao Hua's side started struggling with the move.

Despite saying it like that, Xiao Hua actually didn't do much. It was all done by the people under Ding Xiang's supervision. Xiao Hua was only responsible for sitting under the tree in the courtyard. Once everything was pretty much set up, Ding Xiang asked Xiao Hua to head over.

Xiao Hua had looked around the main residence several times. It was longer and wider than the eastern wing, and there were more rooms. In the center was the main room. The eastern room was the living room, and further inside was the bedroom. Next to the bedroom was a very large bathroom. The room on the western side was the reception, and further inside was the study room.

The Jing Prince's books now had their own spot. The three walls of the study were filled with shelves that could be used. In front of the bookshelves was a large red sandalwood table. Next to the window was a kiln, upon which was a yellow pear wood kiln table patterned with magpies and pomegranates.

The furniture was all extremely exquisite, made of the same yellow pear and red sandalwood. The decorations were also all switched out. The main hall's treasure displays were filled with various rarities. Some had been prepared by Eunuch Chang, and some were taken from Xiao Hua's own storeroom which was still filled with various things the Jing Prince had bestowed.

"Let's get food after putting away his highness's books. The rest can be done in the afternoon." Xiao Hua said.

After lunch, Xiao Hua went to nap in the bedroom.

Having to regularly get up early in the morning recently, she was also a little tired. Ding Xiang had the people finish the bedroom first so Xiao Hua's nap didn't get in the way of their work.

After Xiao Hua awoke, the house was pretty much finished. She saw Ding Lan and Chun Cao using cloth to wipe off some dust.

A burst of words sounded from the outside and Ding Xiang walked in.

"Madam, his highness has arranged two low-ranked eunuchs to come serve here. They have arrived and are waiting outside."

Xiao Hua sat on the chair and yawned. She had Ding Xiang tidy up her hair and didn't ask why they needed low-ranked eunuchs.

However, she also knew that the Jing Prince was used to using eunuchs. These days in the western pavilion he had often felt inconvenienced, but since there wasn't enough room in the eastern wing he hadn't brought it up. Now that they relocated to the main residence, it made sense to allocate two eunuchs over.

"Let them come in. I'll take a look."

Ding Xiang went to call the people in.

Two familiar faces came in. One was Xiao Xia Zi and the other was Xiao Qin Zi. Xiao Hua was extremely familiar with these two low ranked eunuchs from before.

"Greetings to the madam." They both knelt down after they entered.

Xiao Hua gave them a couple of glances, especially that Xiao Xia Zi, and smiled.

"Since his highness has ordered it, you guys should stay here and work. Normally I have Ding Xiang and the others serving me personally. You guys will be responsible for serving his highness. The people here are quite simple and there aren't that many quarrels. As long as you guys work properly without any disloyalty everything will be fine. Out of the two of you, Xiao Xia Zi will be in charge. If there is anything, you can discuss it with Ding Xiang. I won't say too much about anything else, you are both sharp people."

The eunuchs from the Hall of Splendor, even if they just did manual labor, wouldn't have low statuses no matter where they went. Even the Jing Consort didn't have any eunuchs serving by her side. The fact that Madam Hua had them naturally showed his highness's favor. Xiao Hua's words were intended to give Xiao Xia Zi some status. He would be slightly lower than Ding Xiang, but higher than the others. Xiao Qin Zi would be around the same status as Chun Cao and Ding Lan.

"This servant will definitely serve madam properly."

"Alright, you may rise and take your leave." Xiao Hua said to Ding Xiang: "Ding Xiang, arrange a place for them to live. After they've rested for half a day to adjust, they can start working tomorrow."

"Yes."

Ding Xiang led Xiao Xia Zi and Xiao Qin Zi out.

Xiao Xia Zi being able to come to the western pavilion was all due to his efforts in front of the Jing Prince that day.

The Jing Prince wanted to allocate two low-ranked eunuchs over to make his daily necessities more convenient. He happened to see Xiao Xia Zi, and remembered him mentioning having received madam's bestowal that day. Thus he felt having someone familiar would be better and chose Xiao Xia Zi. The other one was left to Eunuch Chang to arrange.

In the past, these things would have been left to Eunuch Fu. One was relocating Madam Hua's residence, and another was this time's allocation of people. Eunuch Chang thought this in his heart, but still followed his orders and went about arranging things.

Eunuch Chang knew that the ones being sent over would be serving his highness personally. The eunuchs outside the Hall of Splendor were all odd workers and were too crude. His highness's personal eunuchs in the Hall of Splendor could definitely not be relocated. Therefore, he chose Xiao Qin Zi who was of the same status as Xiao Xia Zi.

In the eyes of outsiders, being sent from his highness's side to serve a mistress was a downgrade. However, this wasn't necessarily the case. They had served by his highness's side but were never able to get closer. Although madam's status wasn't that high, his highness had spent all his time at the western pavilion recently. No one dared to say she wouldn't be as good as anyone in the future.

Therefore, being able to come to the western pavilion, the two of them were incessantly joyful.

These days the Jing Prince hadn't returned to the Hall of Splendor and his daily necessities had been moved over one by one. Although he hadn't said anything, almost everyone in the Hall of Splendor understand the meaning behind this.

Those who didn't understand would think that Madam Hua was really favored, able to convince his highness to stay there every day. There were a few who guessed that things weren't quite so simple, but of course such thoughts were taboo.

Eunuch Fu, who was the party involved, understood even more clearly. He wasn't able to describe what he was feeling.

A little helpless, a little annoyed, a little unused to it, and a little disappointed….

Overall, his emotions were very complicated.

Especially now that the western pavilion had brought in two eunuchs, which meant the Jing Prince didn't need Eunuch Fu to worry about his daily necessities anymore. Whenever the Jing Prince entered the western pavilion's main residence, Eunuch Fu was free to do his own thing. On the surface things appeared to be the same as in the past, but Eunuch Fu had realized that the Jing Prince had been asking fewer things of him.

This day after the Jing Prince had gone to bed in the western pavilion, Eunuch Fu didn't feel like remaining and returned to the Hall of Splendor.

He drank alone, with two plates of side dishes and a jug of clear alcohol.

Eunuch Fu rarely drank alcohol because he had to serve by the Jing Prince's side. In the past there were only a couple days during the year where he could drink a few cups.

As he tasted the burning in his mouth at this moment, his heart was burning as well.

The door creaked open and Auntie Qi walked in.

"You seem to have had a few drinks."

Eunuch Fu smiled, "It's rare I get some time to myself."

Auntie Qi walked closer and took a seat. She suddenly didn't know what she should say.

After a long, long silence, she sighed, "You're such a stubborn donkey. I've told you so many times yet you refuse to listen."

When Eunuch Fu heard "stubborn donkey", he suddenly smiled again. His smile was full of memories and heartache, and a lot of things that wasn't able to be expressed.

Auntie Qi also felt some sadness in her heart. No one understood his highness's position in Eunuch Fu's heart better than her.

"Alright, alright. Finish up this jug of alcohol and go do what you have to do. Since his highness is serious, you should also stop stubbornly insisting."

Eunuch Fu didn't speak, seeming a little unable to come to terms with it, or a little unable to comment.

"What? Don't believe it?" Auntie Qi smiled, "His highness could be said to have been raised by us. Even if you can't tell, don't tell me you think I can't tell?"

Actually he was able to tell, but was just unwilling to believe it.

After all, for his highness's apathetic personality to have suddenly changed made it hard for the two of them to get used to right away. Since he wasn't used to it, he ended up applying his conventional way of thinking to judge the situation, and thus ended up in such a situation.

How could their highness be so much like a normal person?!

He still remembered when the Jing Prince first got married, there had been some changes. But his hot passion was doused by a bucket of cold water and Xiao-Shi ended up hurting him. This was also why Eunuch Fu and Auntie Qi hated the Jing Consort.

As for today, it was just a different woman.

Perhaps this woman was more suited to his highness. After all, his highness was clearly very happy these past several days.

"It's just a year and a half of time. You don't need to be impatient." Auntie Qi's voice was very low, "You should also have realized that if his highness really wanted an heir, things wouldn't have been silent for so long."

The facts had been clearly laid out. The two of them just hadn't understood it.

The two of them were both close to the Jing Prince. Perhaps Auntie Qi wasn't able to see it clearly, but how could Eunuch Fu not have noticed. The Jing Prince busied himself with more than just governing his vassal state!

Although there were some things Eunuch Fu wasn't aware of, he wasn't a fool. He clearly understood in his heart. He had more or less figured out his highness's thoughts, but he had never been willing to believe it. After all, having a descendent was the emphasis of this world. Not having one was a major issue!

Eunuch Fu didn't understand why his master would have such weird thoughts. He could only pretend not to notice. It was precisely because he understood, precisely because he was afraid, that he would go to such extremes. This was the reason someone like him, who normally knew how to act, would do so many things servants shouldn't do.

Of course, all this couldn't be laid out in the open. Eunuch Fu didn't dare tell anyone, including Auntie Qi.

In the end, he had gotten greedy. Seeing that his highness's personality had changed, he had gotten hopeful. Actually he should have realized that there was now hope in the hopeless situation. Even if he had to wait a year and a half, it was still better than the despair from before.

Eunuch Fu drained the last sip in his cup, put it down, smiled and said: "Enough, enough. I understand."

"Then can you understand his highness's meaning?"

Eunuch Fu smiled even more mockingly, most of it directed towards himself. He had already forced his highness out of the Hall of Splendor, what else was there not to understand? What other master would stifle their emotions for the sake of a servant? They would have dealt with him however they pleased. Only his highness would choose this method out of concern for him and out of concern for her. The reason for not returning to the Hall of Splendor wasn't because of him, but because of those girls.

If he still didn't understand, he might as well find a pit and bury himself.

"Understood, understood. So damn fussy."

Auntie Qi smiled and didn't say anymore.

95

Xiao Fu Zi's1 backstory.

"Stubborn donkey, your dad's calling you for dinner."…

"Stubborn donkey, the bastard from the village over hit me. Help me beat him up."…

Back then, they were still young. They were from the same village, and were even neighbors. The two seven, eight year old kids always played together. After their village flooded, they had been separated.

The next time they saw each other was many years later. He was the eunuch Xiao Fu Zi and she had become palace maid Aunt Xiu.2 Although she had changed a lot in appearance, he was able to recognize her at a glance. He himself had also changed, but she also recognized him right away, and even called out "stubborn donkey".

Stubborn donkey was his nickname.

Afterwards he found out that she had gotten separated from her family and ended up in the palace after various twists and turns. As for him, his family truly couldn't last any longer and were all about to starve to death. His father heard that eunuchs could eat their fill within the palace, and could also be exchanged for several silver taels, and thus sent him over.

They had both tempered themselves within the palace for several years already, and were no longer the two innocent children from before. He was the low-ranked eunuch who had clung onto the legs of the main hall's eunuch. She was the low-ranked palace maid doing odd jobs in the needlework department.

…..

For the sake for self-preservation, or perhaps so that the two could stay together and cover each other, they used various methods and connections to be assigned to Attendant Li together.

Many people couldn't understand why Xiao Fu Zi, who had successfully gotten a high-ranking adoptive father and was full of potential, would choose to let himself go to waste by an unfavored attendant's side.

No one knew what Xiao Fu Zi was thinking.

…..

Life at Attendant Li's side was very peaceful. Although it unavoidably invited disdain, it was better since there were no struggles, and there was no risk of suddenly losing one's life. Xiao Fu Zi was extremely satisfied.

…

Then Attendant Li got pregnant.

At first, Xiao Fu Zi had actually been very annoyed. He was sure he would get caught up in things again, and it seemed like he couldn't avoid it no matter where he hid. But Attendant Li unexpectedly chose to give birth in secret.

The fifth prince was thus born.

Xiao Fu Zi had thought his peaceful days were done.

However, Attendant Li still chose to continue hiding.

Sometimes Xiao Fu Zi would secretly rejoice. Having been able to spend several years in peace, he truly wasn't interested in being attacked from all sides. But looking at the little baby who was shut in the dark room and had never seen the light of day, he would feel a sort of heartache.

The only other time he had felt this sort of heartache was when he witnessed her3 get slapped by a high-ranked palace maid.

That event was also what had made him decide to remove himself from those struggles. He had thought about secretly causing that palace maid's death, but for her sake, and for the sake of their future, he decided to retract his claws.

Attendant Li seemed to have become a little vacant, and the responsibility of caring for the baby had fallen upon the two of them. Although they only saw him briefly every day, affection seemed to have sprouted during these moments.

Looking at the baby fifth prince who seemed to become more and more like a wooden doll with each passing day, the two of them would also feel panic, worry and grief. But they were only servants. What could they say? They could only watch helplessly.

When the fifth prince was finally revealed to others, Attendant Li was also conferred as an imperial concubine. Unfortunately the Venerated Concubine passed away not long after. The wooden fifth prince became even more wooden, and became extremely hated by the emperor.

….

Having a high status didn't guarantee a good life. At least, Xiao Fu Zi didn't think that becoming the fifth prince's high-ranked eunuch was a good thing.

If even the master wasn't doing well, how could the servant be doing any better?

"You mute…."

"Others say that you are this prince's royal brother. As a mute, aren't you afraid of embarrassing others…?"

"Kick him, hurry and kick him….."

"A mute like you should just hide in your room. Coming out would only attract resentment…."

"That's right. The emperor's son? Don't make this prince laugh his head off…"

….

Such a little child was pushed and pinched by those older than him, and even fists and feet were involved. There were countless palace maids and eunuchs standing on the side, but not one of them stepped up to prevent it. Those people only worried whether their own masters would end up hurting their fists end feet, how could they care about the pain of that little child on the floor?

But Xiao Fu Zi couldn't allow it. He could be said to have raised him over many years. Despite knowing that he may be throwing his life away, and may end up suffering a tragic end, he still rushed up.

As he rushed up to shield that little child, he continuous spoke with his mouth: "Princes, highnesses, please stop hurting your own fists and feet. His majesty would be furious if you got hurt….."

His face contained a humble smile and his words were flattering but not overdone.

Was it humiliating?

It was!

But no matter how humiliating, he still had to protect the person in his arms.

As expected, once those princes realized that if things got out of hand their father would also punish them, they slowly ceased their movements. But the resentment in their hearts was hard to bear. They let the little one off, but this servant could be used to vent their anger.

The result was Xiao Fu Zi being hung on a tree and whipped several tens of times. The servants on the side watched silently, and no one said a word.

….

The heavens had decided to preserve a breath of life in him. After getting back, he sprawled in bed on his last breath while she hugged the small child and cried inconsolably.

After that time, the child never left his doors again. Unless absolutely necessary, he remained in his own palace hall.

Such a small child seemed to have already matured.

…..

While his master didn't go out, Xiao Fu Zi wasn't able to do the same.

How could one just shut himself away? A recluse could be schemed to death by someone and no one would be any wiser. Since they had to survive in this dirty world, they had to be resolved to roll about in the mud.

Although he was no longer the same person he was when he entered the palace, he once again started bending his knees and flattering others. His face could be smiling like a chrysanthemum, or cold like the King of Hell…..

Outside the palace hall he was a lackey, someone who could be cursed at and beaten. Inside the palace hall he managed the few people tightly until they were all well behaved…..

Towards those he couldn't offend, he was able to flatter and fawn. He could endure their insults, could kneel and beg for forgiveness, could act like a grandson or a dog. Towards those he could offend, he could use his connections to intimidate, bully them based on his position, and his feet could stomp down harsher than anyone else…..

To survive in the palace and to be able to protect someone, you have to discard your dignity and be willing to be ruthless.

What use did he have for dignity? Could it be eaten?

Many palace maids and eunuchs said that the high-ranked eunuch by the fifth prince's side was a talented person.

Was he talented?

Perhaps, but it was merely for the sake of survival.

Survival.

To protect him.

And also to protect her.

She had changed her way of doing things and changed her personality. She seemed to have matured in an instant. She would follow the rules to the letter, and grew more cautious every day…..

Others may not know what they fought for, but the two of them knew.

…..

The child grew older day by day, but his personality never changed.

The two of them grew worried, but were also at a loss. They had too much to do and too much to worry about. They could only watch how things developed…

Xiao Fu Zi would always think that one day they could escape from this palace hall where they couldn't see the daylight. One day….

At that time, this already grown child would finally be able to smile, right?

Author's notes:

This was Eunuch Fu's origins which probably disappointed those who wanted to bully him….

Although the female lead's sore spot is still present, we have to realize that Xiao Hua is very smart and would be able to see through things. Just because she was temporarily unable to see through it doesn't mean this would always be how she handled things. It could also be her sixth sense warning her.

At least since that day, she has never said anything or brought it up to the Jing Prince. The Jing Prince naturally understands the meaning behind it, otherwise he wouldn't be so cold towards Eunuch Fu. (Perhaps an ordinary foolish woman would continue complaining about it, and do her best to trample on him. Once may be fine, twice may be fine, but who would the Jing Prince lean towards as time passed?)

Please don't underestimate someone who has accompanied him ever since he was young. Even if he isn't good, and although from your perspective he isn't good, he still wouldn't be gotten rid of. Occasionally showing an aggrieved yet unclear appearance to the Jing Prince is a hundred thousand times more useful than crying and making a fuss. (It's a little like conflicts between a wife and her mother-in-law. Although this author doesn't have a mother-in-law, I've seen too many such cases around me. A family is born from affection. Those who don't agree shouldn't scoff at it, because nothing in this world is absolute, and not everyone can relate to this example.)

Xiao _ Zi seems to be the title for low ranked eunuchs. So Xiao Xia Zi might someday be known as Eunuch Xia. Roughly translated, the appellation means Little Boy.

I had previously translated it as Elegant Aunt, but from the context here I think "Xiu" might be her first name so I'll leave it like this for now.

Referring to Auntie Qi. I like how the author uses the pronoun "her" without context, since it implies that there is only one "her" that was this important to him. Added this note in case it doesn't come across as well in English.

96

Xiao Hua realized the Jing Prince's mood wasn't good these days.

The Jing Prince's emotions were always very veiled, and Xiao Hua only realized it after a few days.

She could tell that it wasn't directed towards her, but she also didn't know what he was upset about. Of course it wasn't the serious sort of bad mood, but more of a sulky depression.

Thinking of Eunuch Fu whom she rarely saw these days, and thinking of the Jing Prince who appeared to be taking root within the western pavilion, Xiao Hua seemed have some understanding.

It was said that his highness was raised by Eunuch Fu.

Although she understood, it wasn't convenient for Xiao Hua to say anything. After all, this matter also involved her to some extent. While she was touched and felt sweet in her heart, she also felt a little restless.

His highness was even willing to be at odds with Eunuch Fu for her sake.

She knew the relationship between the two.

This result came as a shock to her. To say she wasn't happy would be a lie. Xiao Hua was never a very benevolent person. She wouldn't provoke anyone, but if someone was jumping about on top of her, she wouldn't just let it happen.

As for Eunuch Fu, this person, she wasn't able to like him. She did have a few complaints about him, but to call it complaints also seemed a little too much. After all, her current good relationship with the Jing Prince was due to her efforts, but also admittedly due to Eunuch Fu in the beginning.

When she first came to the western pavilion, Xiao Hua knew that being able to get Ding Xiang as a helper was also due to Eunuch Fu's arrangement.

As for why he arranged those people into the Hall of Splendor, Xiao Hua also understood. From her perspective it was indeed hard to view it in a good light, but from Eunuch Fu's perspective he hadn't done anything wrong. After all, as time went by she was able to tell what he was hoping for all along. The reason he propped her up was also for this purpose.

Although she understood, she still couldn't accept it emotionally. Xiao Hua could only cast it aside, no longer thinking or caring about it. She just needed to make sure her own days were well spent.

On this day, the Jing Prince's clothes were completed.

The pale bluish white innerwear with flowing clouds embroidered on the cuffs and collar. It looked simple yet stylish. Only after Xiao Hua pulled the Jing Prince over to try it on and seeing that the measurements fit perfectly did she feel relieved.

After trying it on, Xiao Hua wanted him to take it off. She planned on giving it a wash before having him wear it the next day. However, the Jing Prince ignored her and randomly pulled a robe over it before minding his own business and heading into the eastern side room.

This rare behavior of his made Xiao Hua's eyes turn into slits from smiling.

"Since highness thinks it's acceptable, this servant concubine will make a couple more for you." Xiao Hua said after sitting down next to the Jing Prince.

"Approved."

Xiao Hua leaned against the Jing Prince's legs and stuck to his side, chatting idly with him.

The Jing Prince's taciturn personality was hard to change, but whenever Xiao Hua spoke to him, he would now reply at least once for every two of her sentences. Although his words were still few, it was better than not saying anything at all. At least Xiao Hua had noticed some changes.

Xiao Hua was still clear how much this taciturn man had changed for her. Every time she thought of this, she couldn't help but feel extremely moved.

Xiao Hua snuggled over and rubbed her face on the Jing Prince's leg before straightening up and acting nonchalant. The Jing Prince gave her a glance, his eyes flashing, and stroked her hair.

It was the middle of the afternoon and the sun was bright outside.

The Jing Prince was reading with his head lowered and Xiao Hua lay on his lap. Her hands grabbed his hand out of boredom, rubbing and squeezing, unwilling to let go. A surging feeling revolved around her heart making her feel excited. She felt her blood racing, and needed to do something to vent.

She looked at his face from below. His ink black brows seemed to have been painted on, slanting upwards into the hair on his temples. His long and slender eyes were apathetic, the inner corners tilted downwards and outer edges slanted upwards. The lines around his eyes were incomparably fine and smooth, making one like it a lot no matter how one looked.

Seeing the affection within her eyes, the Jing Prince stroked her hair again and he was suddenly in a great mood.

These days she often looked at him like this. Although he didn't really understand the meaning behind it, he liked it a lot. Therefore, he felt extremely lighthearted, as though the wind could make him float.

Xiao Hua looked at those eyes and couldn't help but feel dumbstruck. Her heart pounded as though it were about to burst out.

She threw the large palm in her hands to the side, wrapped her arms around his neck and wriggled upwards. She kissed him fiercely as though trying to relieve some of the feelings in her heart, but then subconsciously grew gentler, afraid of accidentally hurting him.

The Jing Prince threw his book aside and pulled the person in his arms upwards. Although he didn't really understand why Xiao Hua suddenly acted like this, he was still extremely happy about it.

Ding Xiang was about to come in and switch out the tea, but seeing the scene in the room she tiptoed out again, and even carefully shut the door behind her.

Their tongues tangled for a round. When they stopped, both people were out of breath.

His eyes were burning, her eyes were limpid. After looking at each other for half a moment, they both sprung into motion once again.

….

They were happy and they had finished releasing their pent up emotions. But the aftermath was not easy to deal with.

After they were done, Xiao Hua hugged the Jing Prince's neck and wasn't willing to get off for a long time.

"What should we do about this?"

Xiao Hua was embarrassed to death. This definitely needed to be cleaned up, but if she called for water to be prepared in the middle of the day, wasn't this telling everyone what they were just doing?

The Jing Prince heard her words but didn't understand their meaning. He didn't understand why Xiao Hua'er's expression was so weird. He rested against the pillow, his breathing light and even, his hands stroking her scattered hair over and over.

"What?"

"This."

Seeing the other's confused expression, Xiao Hua could only say quietly: "Calling for water in the middle of the day, wouldn't everyone know what we were doing?"

The Jing Prince glanced Xiao Hua'er who was buried in his chest and looked as though she was too embarrassed to go out. He didn't say anything.

Only after another while passed did the Jing Prince call out: "Prepare a bath."

His expression and tone were both natural, but it seemed extremely domineering to Xiao Hua, making her dumbstruck.

"Yes."

Xiao Xia Zi's voice sounded from outside. Xiao Hua was thoroughly afraid to raise her head, and wished she could find a crack to burrow into. She remained motionless, but the arms around the Jing Prince tightened.

After Xiao Xia Zi left, the Jing Prince saw that she was too shy to go out. Although he didn't understand her way of thinking, he still quite liked her current appearance. He lifted her up and the two of them went into the bathroom.

Xiao Hua took things into her own hands and both of them changed into new clothes. She gave up on the clothes that were just taken off, and directly threw them into the tub.

After everything was cleaned up, they went back to the eastern side room. The room was empty, but the kiln table that had been knocked askew and the kiln that was left a mess had all been restored to their original appearance.

There was even a cup of water and a pot of tea on the kiln. Seeing the water, Xiao Hua knew this was Ding Xiang's handiwork. While she sighed about her thoughtfulness, she also felt a little embarrassed.

The two of them got back onto the kiln. The Jing Prince continued reading his unfinished book. Xiao Hua also grabbed a book and pretended to read on the side. On the surface the two of them appeared ordinary without any differences. Only the occasional swiftly averted glances revealed some clues.

Another couple of days passed. Xiao Hua heard that those low-ranked palace maids within the Hall of Splendor had all vanished.

The news was brought over by Xiao Xia Zi. As for how he knew about the situation inside the hall after he had left, Xiao Hua didn't look into it.

Seeing the Jing Prince revert back to his normal appearance that night, without any of the bottled up gloominess, Xiao Hua finally felt relieved.

She thought this event was now in the past, right?!

As expected, while the Jing Prince still stayed in the western pavilion most of the time, he was now willing to return to the Hall of Splendor. The frequency of Eunuch Fu's appearances had also increased dramatically. The Jing Prince also started giving him tasks to do once again. Xiao Hua tacitly understood, and acted nonchalant.

Of course, on the surface she seemed to have suffered a little due to this event. In the end however, Xiao Hua felt more at ease with such an outcome. She temporarily didn't understand what this feeling of ease signified, but she knew that following this sort of intuition was usually beneficial for her.

As he looked at his highness who sat behind the desk holding a scroll, Eunuch Fu suddenly felt extremely moved.

Although it was said he knew his highness extremely well, he still couldn't help but feel moved when his highness returned the moment those people were sent out of the estate.

His highness was still that same person he was familiar with. Although it wasn't apparent on the surface, his highness was actually extremely considerate.

He was really in the wrong this time!

But some things could not be said out loud. Although Eunuch Fu's emotions were surging, he could only keep them suppressed. He acted the same as before, ordering people to serve tea and water before personally setting it onto the table.

The study was still silent as usual, but because the minds of both people had changed, there were also some changes. These changes just weren't visible to the naked eye.

After fumbling about for a while, Eunuch Fu finally took the time as he was helping the Jing Prince clear his desk to say quietly, "Highness, this was all this old servant's fault."

The two of them weren't people who were good at showing emotion. Not only was Eunuch Fu a little uncomfortable, the Jing Prince also felt some awkwardness though it wasn't expressed on the surface. But he felt even more as though a burden had been lifted.

All these thoughts and words came out as a single phrase, "No harm done."

Eunuch Fu lowered his head and stood on the side. He surreptitiously wiped the corner of his eyes with his sleeves.

97

After moving to the main residence, Xiao Hua had placed those two weird books onto the bookshelf.

When the Jing Prince wasn't present, she would occasionally take one down and look through it. Perhaps it was due to her guilty conscience, but every time she read it, she would send Ding Xiang and the others out on errands.

This day as she was curled up on the kiln reading and speechless from embarrassment, the Jing Prince arrived.

Barely anyone would bother announcing his arrival nowadays, and Xiao Hua was also engrossed in reading. Only when he reached her side did she react.

Her instinctive reaction was to stuff the book under the pillow behind her back. Unfortunately she didn't have time to think things through. Otherwise she would have placed the book down nonchalantly without drawing attention to it.

The Jing Prince saw and didn't say anything. He waited until Xiao Hua got up to summon Ding Xiang for the Jing Prince's indoor clothes, and reached over with his hand.

By the time Xiao Hua turned around, she saw him flipping through the book.

Although the book was his and although he had definitely read it before, being caught reading it by him made Xiao Hua feel extremely ashamed. She didn't dare raise her eyes.

The Jing Prince saw her alluring and tender bashful appearance and didn't say anything. He had Xiao Xia Zi help him into the indoor clothing and sat down on the kiln.

The servants all took their leave. The Jing Prince saw that she still wanted to find a hole to bury herself due to her embarrassment and used his large hand to pull her over.

"Highness…." She stammered.

The Jing Prince didn't make fun of her. Instead, he opened the book, flipped it to a certain page, pointed to it and said: "This one is pretty good."

Xiao Hua froze. This highness's reaction was too different from other people!

The doubt in her mind overcame her embarrassment and she snuck a couple of glances while blushing. Her mind was immediately blown, and everything turned blank.

A long and slender finger rubbed her crimson face. The Jing Prince acted nonchalant as he said: "Tonight let's try it."

At this point, even her eyes had frozen and weren't able to look around.

"What's wrong?"

She was pulled into his arms.

"No, nothing…"

How could it be nothing? Even a fool could tell something was up. The Jing Prince thought she was unhappy.

"Angry?"

Seeing his brows furrow, Xiao Hua sighed in her heart. Forget it, forget it. This man's reactions were never normal to begin with. Her embarrassment was like showing charm to a blind person. He completely wasn't able to understand it.

Xiao Hua was already extremely clear on how to interact with the Jing Prince. There was no need to hide things from him. First of all she wasn't willing to do so, feeling it wasn't beneficial or harmonious. Secondly, sometimes he didn't understand and she didn't explain, so it wasn't like she was intentionally hiding anything.

Just like last time when she was upset for several days due to her jealousy while he was still confused and ignorant. He had even called that person over to massage him. If she was someone who would hide things, she would definitely bury that event in her heart. But instead she had said all of it out of panic, and had even cried so tragically. Only after she heard his words did she understand that he had been completely unaware of everything.

She would speak up if there was a problem, or if there was something she wanted to say. Xiao Hua figured out that this was the way to interact with him.

In any case, the two of them did those embarrassing things every day. No need to be shy about it!

Although she thought of it that way, the feeling of embarrassment still couldn't be avoided.

Therefore, Xiao Hua was like this on the surface—-

With her face red and eyes watery, she buried her face into his chest several times and stammered for a while before finally saying: "It's too embarrassing…"

Her words trailed off as she spoke. It seemed like she was truly embarrassed.

The Jing Prince liked her alluring and tender embarrassed appearance. It appeared very tasty and delicious. He bit her ear and gave it a couple kisses, "What's embarrassing? This humble prince has been wanting to try it. Afraid you weren't willing."

These extremely indecent words were spoken with an extremely upright tone, making Xiao Hua's heart soft.

"Then, then tonight let's try it."

"Wonderful."

The result of this experiment was that the next day after the Jing Prince had left, Xiao Hua muddled about in bed for half the day, holding her waist. She didn't actually do anything during this time, merely covering her face shyly or occasionally letting out a silly grin.

Auntie Qi arranged a female teacher to educate Xiao Hua.

This all started due to the Jing Prince's books that he left behind.

The books he had brought over filled up an entire bookshelf. Xiao Hua would grab a few to read in her free time.

Xiao Hua was literate, but just barely. In the past when she only had those few books to read, she didn't really feel it since she would just be reading randomly. Now with so many books and so many choices, she felt that reading required a lot of effort.

The Jing Prince was too busy during the day and only came to the western pavilion after working. Xiao Hua felt bad asking him to interpret words for her. Doing it once would be embarrassing enough, having to do it several times was out of the question. After all, no woman was willing to let their man know of their shortcomings. They longed to appear perfect in their partner's hearts.

As time passed, Xiao Hua had the thought to find herself a teacher.

In any case, her days were idle and she could pass the time by learning.

Xiao Hua brought it up to the Jing Prince and he agreed. Before two days had passed, Auntie Qi's side had sent over a female teacher.

Lesson time was set for the afternoon, one and a half hours at a time. Of course if Xiao Hua had something going on, she could ask off. She just needed to have her personal palace maids notify the teacher.

This teacher was surnamed Chen. She was a widow, and she used to teach young mistresses of rich households classes in making a living. It wasn't clear how she was invited into the estate by Auntie Qi.

Xiao Hua didn't have much foundation and couldn't tell the extent of Teacher Chen's knowledge. Regardless, what she taught was more than enough, and thus she started learning seriously. She already had some foundation, but it wasn't a good one. Her knowledge was all over the place. She also knew how to write a few words, but they were truly too ugly to be shown.

After some pondering, Teacher Chen decided to start from the very beginning. The Three Character Classic1 was the basic foundation for reading, and for writing she started off learning how to properly hold the brush and position her arm.

Teacher Chen had thought this Madam Hua would be impatient. After all, she was already quite old and was learning quite late. Combined with her status, she had thought this madam was just learning for fun. These were her thoughts, but she still stayed to teach due to the estate's generous salary.

Unexpectedly, after teaching for a few days, she realized her attitude was extremely good. There wasn't any hint of a rich mistress's temper, so she started to properly teach.

The two of them were both people who put all their effort into doing things, and got along quite well.

After a month, Xiao Hua had dramatically improved, and was able to complete the daily homework assigned by Teacher Chen.

Xiao Hua was quite exhilarated by the learning, but the Jing Prince noticed that his time with Xiao Hua'er had decreased. This was because sometimes when the Jing Prince came to the western pavilion, he would encounter Xiao Hua seriously doing her homework.

Of course, she wouldn't completely ignore him, and would also find a place for him to sit.

For example, if he hadn't eaten she would arrange food. If he was bored, she would hand him a book. She would also be by his side, but in the past while she read or did needlework, she would still be able to casually chat with him. Now, she wouldn't say anything while she traced over characters on her piece of paper.

Inexplicably, the Jing Prince started feeling annoyed at that piece of paper.

But Xiao Hua had no idea about all this.

Today the Jing Prince gave her a few rare glances. Xiao Hua put the brush in her hand down. "Highness?" Her voice contained some puzzlement.

Seeing the Jing Prince's gaze rest on the piece of paper, Xiao Hua smiled and explained, "This servant concubine is working on Teacher Chen's homework assignment. In the past I could write, but the words were too ugly. Teacher Chan found some slips of paper for this servant concubine to trace over every day."

The Jing Prince knew about this. He had even approved it. But unexpectedly he had given himself a source of depression.

The Jing Prince didn't speak and turned back to his book. Xiao Hua was used to this, and thus started tracing with her brush again.

"Highness, Teacher Chen is really knowledgeable. She is accomplished in the four arts2, and said this servant concubine will also be this way in the future."

"Yesterday I heard Teacher Chen play a piece on the zither. It sounded really good."

Xiao Hua finished tracing that page, and switched to a new piece of paper.

"This servant concubine isn't good at writing and wants to practice until her Hairpin Flower Calligraphy font looks good."

Seeing her chattering away with an excited expression, the Jing Prince asked: "You like?"

"En." Xiao Hua answered.

The Jing Prince gave her another glance. He thought that she seemed clearly spirited these days, and remembered he had seen her staring out of the window in boredom before. Suddenly he felt that slip of paper was no longer an eyesore.

Forget it, she didn't have much she could do during the day. Of course she had to find something to pass the time.

Thinking this, he turned back to his book.

June arrived. What should have been the hottest time of the year was actually the perfect temperature in the Jing Province.

The green tree cast its shade and a cool breeze was blowing. Two desks were set up under the tree. In front of one sat an over forty year old woman in green, and in front of the other sat Xiao Hua.

"Madam's writing is looking better and better."

After their daily lesson, Teacher Chen looked over Xiao Hua's assignment from yesterday and said these words.

"Thank you Teacher Chen for your compliment. It still needs a lot of practice."

Teacher Chan's usually mild face revealed a smile upon hearing this.

"Madam doesn't need to be humble. Your improvements were quick to begin with."

Ding Lan came and reported: "Madam, Nana He is here."

Xiao Hua nodded her head in respect to Teacher Chen and said to Ding Lan: "Help me see Teacher Chen off."

Once Ding Lan escorted her out, Xiao Hua felt that it was quite comfortable under the tree and decided not to relocate. She had Ding Xiang clean up the things on the table and went to personally invite Nana He inside.

Because the Jing Prince mostly dined at the western pavilion, the relationship between the western pavilion and the Hall of Splendor had become inseparably close. Not only were the few palace maids from the western pavilion closer to the aunties and eunuchs in the small kitchen, Nana He would even come sit for a while in the western pavilion every now and then.

Xiao Hua's current days passed very smoothly. She had everything she wanted. She had Chun Cao and Nana He, and no need to worry about clothing or food. Her days were carefree, and she even had things that she never dreamed of having. She had the Jing Prince….

Xiao Hua and Nana He sat at a small round table under the tree. Chun Cao and Ding Lang served all sorts of fruit.

"This place is pretty nice. The shade is nice and cool." Nana He sat down and said while looking around.

"Yeah. Although it's not that hot in the summer, sitting inside the house always feels a little stuffy. These trees weren't that noticeable in the winter, but who would have thought they would flourish so much after spring. Using the shade to cool off is pretty nice."

"It is pretty nice." Nana He lifted her teacup for a sip and said: "I come here in my idleness to chat with Madam. Madam isn't allowed to feel that this Nana is bothersome."

Xiao Hua said angrily: "Listen to yourself, Nana. I'm also idle and without anything to do. I just have Teacher Chen's lessons to pass the time every day. I can't be more eager to have someone come chat with me."

"Well that works out nicely. Recently the Hall of Splendor doesn't have much going on. Nana is also extremely idle."

This was truly the case. The Jing Prince was very busy recently. His appearance in the western pavilion during the day had decreased, and he would mostly return at night. Since even his time in the western pavilion had decreased, there was no need to mention the Hall of Splendor.

Since the master rarely returned, the Hall of Splendor's people couldn't help but become idle. Nana He was from the small kitchen so it wasn't as noticeable. After all, everyone still had to eat. Eunuch Fu followed beside the Jing Prince and thus also didn't notice much. It was even more so for Eunuch Chang. Only recently did Xiao Hua realize that Eunuch Chang was responsible for more than the Hall of Splendor. He would often appear in the western pavilion to report various things to the Jing Prince. The rest of the people though felt extremely weird. For example, the low-ranked eunuchs that personally served his highness in the past. Many people were now envious of Xiao Xia Zi and Xiao Qin Zi. They felt that the two of them seemed more like his highness's personal eunuchs than those back at the hall. Xiao Xia Zi and Xiao Qin Zi felt even more that being able to come to the western pavilion was basically green smoke come from their ancestor's graves. All this won't be expressed at the moment. Nana He's visit today was just to idly chat with Xiao Hua.

Author's note:

How could the future favored imperial concubine not be educated? Our Xiao Hua needs to be lovely as a flower and also extremely knowledgeable. One cannot conceal things from someone like Repressed Jing. If the Jing Consort had understood this in his last life, and had chosen to directly communicate with the Jing Prince, she probably wouldn't have had to resort to so many schemes.

This blog I found does an amazing job explaining it. Also I stumbled across this version as well and thought it was a hilarious showcase of how Chinese words can have different meanings in different context.

Zither, Go, calligraphy and painting

98

.

"Do you still blame Eunuch Fu?"

Hearing Nana He ask this, Xiao Hua was a little frozen.

"Nana sees that your relationship with his highness is very good, but Nana also doesn't want there to be any hang-ups in your heart towards Eunuch Fu. You probably don't have any resentment towards the way his highness handled the situation, but you still have some thoughts, right?"

Xiao Hua half lowered her eyes and didn't speak. There was also no resentment in her appearance.

How could there not be any hang-ups? If she said there wasn't she would be lying, and she didn't want to lie to Nana He.

Nana He sighed, "Let Nana tell you a story."

Actually this was a very, very long story. It started with a timid teenage girl who entered the palace and was conferred as an attendant. This attendant gave birth to a prince in secret. Because she was afraid her son would be harmed, she used all sorts of protective measures to keep him hidden for six years.

Any child would more or less end up developing issues if they were raised in such an environment as they were growing up. This particular child ended up becoming antisocial like a wooden person, and wouldn't even speak.

After he was revealed to others, his life did not get any easier. Not only did he receive all sorts of mockery, insults and disdain, but due his mute condition not improving despite a long treatment period, his royal father also rejected him.

His mother passed away and his father didn't want him. Even a commoner's child would have a hard time, let alone one that lived deep inside the palace. The palace was sweet on the outside but harsh on the inside. Nothing truly ruthless happened on the surface, and he was at most neglected. But since even the master suffered, one can easily imagine what it must have been like for those serving him.

Luckily this child had two extremely loyal servants by his side. He was young and seemingly defenseless against the incoming malice, and the two never left him unprotected.

There was no need to mention the trials the two of them went through. The child was after all a prince, and people didn't dare act too obviously. The servants weren't as lucky….

Actually Xiao Hua had already understood everything at this point in the story. That prince was his highness, and those two servants were Auntie Qi and Eunuch Fu…..

To say she didn't have any thoughts would be a lie.

She had told herself initially it was for the best that the Jing Prince and Eunuch Fu made up, but she still had some thoughts against it. She felt that the Jing Prince's cold treatment towards Eunuch Fu was a little too passive, and wasn't quite able to vent her resentment….

She had known long ago that to the Jing Prince, Eunuch Fu wasn't just a regular servant. Only after Nana He's story did she realize just how different he was.

"To put it disrespectfully, Eunuch Fu basically views his highness as his own lifeblood. He would put himself in the way of anything that's harmful to his highness. Back then Nana was also assigned to the Venerated Concubine's palace, and also came over from all those initial hardships….Now his highness has grown up, become of age, and has been assigned a vassal state. Eunuch Fu should have been happy, but instead he started worrying about his highness's descendants. Madam is probably already aware how you came into the estate, and the reasoning is the same for those people…."

The surroundings were very quiet. Even the occasionally chirping of birds had seemingly faded.

"Nana thought Eunuch Fu's methods were wrong initially as well, but due to various outside factors, it's also hard not to understand his efforts. Ai, this old fellow always played his part well and respectfully. The only time he overdoes things is when it's in regards to this situation…..

Xiao Hua's tears had long since overflowed. Not for herself, but for the Jing Prince.

She had always thought his personality had to do with his upbringing, but she never expected the Jing Prince to have such a past. Her heart felt as though it was being squeezed, and she almost couldn't catch her breath.

"Nana isn't trying to justify anyone's actions. I just wanted to tell you that people aren't just black or white. Perhaps from your perspective, he's bad. But from his own perspective, he would think he was good. The truth can only be figured out by oneself."

"Nana, I don't intend to blame Eunuch Fu. Everything you said, I understand."

"As long as you understand. Hurry and wipe away the tears. The intention was to come for a casual chat but I ended up making you cry. This Nana deserves death."

"Never say that Nana. Xiao Hua is grateful to you for telling me all this."

Thank you for letting me know his past. Thank you for making my heart ache for him.

Ding Xiang brought out some water and helped Xiao Hua wash off her makeup. Only afterwards did Xiao Hua smile shamefully.

"Nana is actually glad his highness is good to you. Although Nana hasn't served by his highness's side before, having observed for so many years I also understand that he needs a considerate person." Nana He stroked Xiao Hua's hand, and said: "Nana reckons your body will be recovered soon. You'll have to put some effort in for the rest."

"For women, nothing is better in life than having a child by their side. It's best if you have your man's regard as well, but you can also do without it." This last part was side extremely quietly. Although Nana He was never married, she had seen too much. At this moment, she could either be expressing her thoughts or giving some pointers.

"Nana, Xiao Hua understands."

"It's good that you understand. Lean in close, Nana will tell you methods to increase the chance of getting pregnant. You can ponder over it in your mind. Once the time is right, you can decide what to do."

Nana He spoke quietly. Xiao Hua's face and ears started turning red as she listened.

After she was done speaking, Nana He said: "Alright, alright. This old lady has sat here long enough, it's about time to head back."

"Nana, let me see you off."

Xiao Hua stood up to escort Nana He out. Nana He didn't want to let her, but couldn't win against her in the end.

Only after leaving the doors of the western pavilion did Nana He feel relieved.

Even if Auntie Qi hadn't asked her to, she would still have talked to Xiao Hua about it.

His highness had both of them in his heart, and if things were awkward between them it would inevitably make it difficult for him. Xiao Hua hadn't spent as much time with him as Eunuch Fu, and over time the prince would inevitably lean towards Eunuch Fu and feel that she wasn't mature enough.

Also, making up with Eunuch Fu wasn't without benefits for her.

After thinking all sorts of nonsense, Nana He couldn't help but laugh in spite of herself.

She was really old, and worried too much.

That night when the Jing Prince returned it was already after dinner time.

His face which had been solemn the whole time grew a little warmer when he arrived at the western pavilion.

Xiao Hua had already gotten into the habit of waiting for the Jing Prince. She was in the eastern side room tracing over characters when she heard the noise outside and went to welcome him.

After helping him change and learning that he had yet to eat, she had Ding Xiang go order food.

"Highness, are you tired? It's already so late and you haven't eaten yet."

Xiao Hua chattered away as she helped the Jing Prince onto the kiln and served him tea. She then stuffed a large and soft pillow behind his back, sat herself beside him and stroked his legs.

Just from this light touch, Xiao Hua could tell that the Jing Prince had spent the day sitting bent over at his desk. She felt some heartache, but also felt some vexation that he didn't take care of himself better.

Her gaze fell upon Eunuch Fu by the side, and she spoke with a natural attitude: "General Manager Fu has been busy the whole day along with his highness. You're definitely extremely tired as well, why don't you sit and rest for a bit."

This was Xiao Hua's first time speaking to Eunuch Fu since that event.

Not only did Eunuch Fu sense it, the Jing Prince sensed it as well.

"This old servant isn't tired. Thank you for the consideration, madam."

"How could you not be tired? His highness is already this tired from sitting, you were standing the whole day."

She indicated for Ding Lan to bring a chair. Eunuch Fu hurriedly refused, "How can a servant sit with the master? Thank you for madam's goodwill."

Seeing this, Xiao Hua could only say to the Jing Prince: "Highness, General Manager Fu isn't willing to sit while you're here. How about letting him go rest in another room?" Seeing the Jing Prince nod, Xiao Hua smiled at Eunuch Fu again and said: "General Manager Fu should hurry and take a rest. I will let you know if his highness needs anything."

Eunuch Fu could only follow Ding Lan to the outer room. Xiao Hua called Chun Cao over and gave her a few orders, having her bring tea and snacks as well as not to forget dinner. After this period of hustle and bustle, she turned and saw the Jing Prince's gaze upon her.

Xiao Hua fiddled with her hair and said quietly in embarrassment: "Eunuch Fu is the old gramps by highness's side after all. Even if this servant concubine was slightly discontent at one point, I can't remain discontent forever. After all, as long as a person treats highness well, this servant concubine would feel that person is good."

The Jing Prince's eyes contained a smile as he stroked her lowered head.

It was good that she could understand.

The Jing Prince's dinner was eaten on the kiln's table. Eunuch Fu ate on a small table outside.

After following the Jing Prince for so many years, his highness couldn't be said to be an attentive person. Eunuch Fu's meals could be said to be extremely good, but most of the time he could only randomly eat a couple of bites. Those serving by the Jing Prince's side didn't have time to eat their fill.

Eunuch Fu also knew Madam Hua was showing him goodwill.

Seeing her express this, no matter how arrogant he was, he still let out a breath of relief. It wasn't a good thing if his highness's favored person had a grudge against him. Eunuch Fu who had long since accepted the reality of the situation also understood this fact. It was just due to his old age his skin was thin, and he was temporarily unable to lower his head.

What he didn't know was that Auntie Qi and Nana He had both spent quite a lot of effort for his sake. The Nana He who always sat in the small kitchen in the past made a rare trip outside. She still had to consider that Madam Hua's thoughts were hard to fathom, and only brought up the topic after several trips.

Fortunately, to everyone's delight, things turned out the way they all hoped for.

Eunuch Fu kept an ear open while he ate. He heard the young Madam Hua's voice sporadically saying "eat some more of this", "how about another bowl of rice?" and "this soup is pretty good". Although his highness didn't respond, from his past experience Eunuch Fu could tell that he definitely obeyed.

He suddenly had the weird thought that it was good for his highness to have such a person by his side. After all, she was very considerate.

One could see many things while sitting outside. Eunuch Fu saw Xiao Xia Zi and Xiao Qin Zi coming and going, preparing water in the bathroom via the side door. He knew that this was definitely prepared for his highness by Madam Hua.

His highness's lumbar spine, shoulders and neck were all unwell. Madam Hua would have people boil some hot water every few days, have him soak for a while and then help him loosen up. As a result, his highness wouldn't feel any discomfort while working the next day.

Eunuch Fu wasn't sure what serving his highness in the western pavilion was like, but there wasn't anything preventing him from asking Xiao Xia Zi and Xiao Qin Zi about it. Eunuch Fu's imposing presence was still pretty effective against these two low-ranked eunuchs. Even more so since he was just asking about his highness's everyday routine. The two of them naturally told him.

Eunuch Fu merely wanted what was best for his highness. Therefore, when Ding Lan said "Madam says for general manager to go sleep. She will take care of his highness here", Eunuch Fu didn't refuse and followed Ding Lan to the auxiliary residence.

This was the first time he could feel at ease without being by his highness's side.

99

In the bathroom, the Jing Prince sat in the enormous bathtub.

Xiao Hua sat on the side, running her hands idly through the water as she chatted with him.

It wasn't that the Jing Prince didn't want to let her bath with him. Instead, the water temperature was too high. For the Jing Prince, soaking for a while would make the following massage a lot more comfortable. For Xiao Hua, she would be cooked through and her body would end up soft and limp. Also, they would end up getting distracted.

The one time he pulled her in for a wild session resulted in her being unable to do the massage afterwards. Xiao Hua complained about it and he never did it again.

"I've told highness many times to take care of yourself normally. Even if it's not for anything else, at least it wouldn't be as uncomfortable. What's more important than the body's health? Getting up and moving around after working for a while can only be a good thing."

Xiao Hua didn't know how many times she had fussed about this. But from what she saw, it would go in one ear and out the other.

What she didn't know was that the Jing Prince had already changed quite a lot. It's just that recently things had gotten busy and he wasn't able to keep the other things in mind. The Jing Prince closed his eyes and leaned against the tub. It looked as though he was dozing off but his mind was actually working furiously.

He thought about the excavation of those silver mines and the recent abnormal movements within the capital. The silver mines weren't a big deal. What was more important was the capital. Ever since the event with the crown prince, the capital had been undergoing constant changes. The Jing Prince looked over various reports before discovering certain things. It was just that things weren't clear at the moment and he could only observe silently.

It sounded easy, but for him to do so from thousands of miles away wasn't simple at all.

His mole was only useful for matters concerning the crown prince. He wasn't able to get information regarding any other places, so he could only order his subordinates to gather all sorts of news. He would then combine the information with what the mole could tell him regarding the crown prince as well as his own knowledge from his past life and slowly match things up. Only then could he see the overall picture.

This was something Huang Qin and those advisors couldn't help with, and he could only do it himself. This was because he was the one who gave the orders, so he was the only one who could maintain effortless control of the entire board.

Of course, he wasn't just busy with this. He still had to handle things like various vassal state officials, the adjutant Guan Zheng's side, the militia under his jurisdiction etc., etc.

The Jing Prince frowned as he thought about all these things. An ice cold finger touched the center of his brows and rubbed it, "Having worked all day, it's better to rest after getting back."

Xiao Hua didn't know why the Jing Prince was so busy these days. Even if she heard about it she wouldn't understand. She could only make sure he was a little more comfortable after getting back.

Thinking about what she had heard in the afternoon, Xiao Hua's eyes started misting up again. But she didn't say anything, merely sitting behind the Jing Prince and using the jade comb to untangle his hair.

Doctor Hu said that smoothing one's hair often was beneficial for one's health. Xiao Hua remembered this and would help the Jing Prince do so whenever she got the chance.

After combing for a while, she felt that the water in the tub had gotten a little cool and had someone add some hot water.

After soaking for around twenty minutes, Xiao Hua told the Jing Prince to get up, helped him dry off, put on his underwear and the two of them went to the bedroom.

At this time the Jing Prince didn't have the energy to think about anything anymore. His face was buried in the soft pillow which had a light fragrance. He involuntarily closed his eyes and slowed his breathing.

Xiao Hua minded her own business as she busied herself for half an hour with massaging. After she stopped, she saw that he had fallen asleep. She bathed and changed before returning to the bed.

By the time Xiao Hua lay down, the Jing Prince had shifted to lie on his side. Xiao Hua pressed herself against him, put one arm over his waist and slowly fell asleep.

The days passed one by one in this manner. Apart from Teacher Chen's lessons and homework, all of Xiao Hua's focus was placed on the Jing Prince. Her days were carefree and comfortable and before she knew it, over a month had passed.

"Madam's body has been recovering quite well. After finishing these two portions of medicines, you can stop taking them."

Doctor Hu finished taking her pulse and said while stroking his beard. His face had a satisfied smile.

"Nana He's medical knowledge is very good. This old man had thought it would take around five to six months, but we're one month ahead of schedule."

Not only did Xiao Hua's face lighten up, even Ding Xiang and the rest had trouble concealing their joy.

"I really have to thank Doctor Hu. This is all due to you and Nana He."

"Madam is too polite. This old man's just doing his duty."

Ding Xiang sent Doctor Hu off.

"Thank the heavens, madam is finally cured." Chun Cao said with her palms clasped together.

"Cured, cured, finally cured." Ding Lan was so excited she forgot herself.

Xiao Hua was a little more reserved than they were, but her joy clearly showed in her expression.

Before long, the good news had spread throughout the entire western pavilion. Everyone had smiles of joy.

Everyone knew what Madam Hua's recovery implied. Perhaps the Jing Prince Estate's first little master would be born within the western pavilion. The Jing Prince's side also received the good news.

The news was reported by Eunuch Fu. His face had bloomed like a chrysanthemum from smiling.

"Great news, highness! Madam's body has finally recovered."

The Jing Prince made an "en" sound and didn't say anything.

"This is really great news! Doctor Hu, Nana He and those servants in the western pavilion all deserve credit." His words contained the question of whether they should be rewarded.

"You arrange it."

Once Eunuch Fu received the order, he happily ran out.

The Jing Prince's expressions were never obvious, and his mood was unfathomable. Regarding Xiao Hua's recovery, people couldn't tell anything from his face.

In the eyes of outsiders, the Jing Prince had suddenly gotten busy the past couple of days and didn't have time to go to the western pavilion. In reality, no one was aware of the struggle within his heart.

But having not gone for two days, the Jing Prince also felt restless, and still went over on the third day.

It seemed that absence made the heart grow fonder. That night lying in bed, not only was Xiao Hua excited, the Jing Prince was extremely excited as well. Especially since he was so "busy" these past days he hadn't touched her at all. The release of all the pent up desire in his heart made things naturally different from the past.

Therefore, the Jing Prince was especially ferocious, and wanted to go for multiple rounds. Even though Xiao Hua was no longer the same as before, she was still utterly defeated by his continuous barrage.

After, the two of them were dripping with sweat and the bedsheets and bedding were all tangled up.

Xiao Hua was limp all over, and she mumbled, "Highness, this servant concubine's body is recovered."

Although the Jing Prince had long since known about it, Xiao Hua felt it was better to personally tell him. It was like a child sharing good news with their most intimate person.

The Jing Prince stroked her sweat-filled hair, "You like?"

"En." Xiao Hua nodded, her face full of smiles.

The Jing Prince had wanted to ask what she liked about it, but stopped himself. What she liked, he naturally knew.

Mentioning this, Xiao Hua sat up and put a pillow under her butt.

The Jing Prince saw her strange movements and asked in confusion: "What's that for?"

Xiao Hua yawned, her eyelids drooping, "Apparently this is a method to help with pregnancy. This servant concubine will give it a try."

The Jing Prince's eyes flashed and he didn't speak. After another while, he called for someone to prepare water. As he headed to the bathroom, he planned to carry her over as well but was pushed away.

"Highness you go first. This servant concubine will come in a bit."

The Jing Prince didn't understand. Xiao Hua pointed at the pillow underneath with a red face.

The Jing Prince went to bath. Xiao Hua lay for another while. After the amount of time recommended by Nana He had passed, she got up and went to the bathroom.

After cleaning themselves up, the two of them returned. The bedding had already been replaced.

After lying down, Xiao Hua fell quickly asleep. The Jing Prince however was wide awake.

He looked at the lovely face beside him and thought of her red little face and her joyful appearance….

She actually wanted to give birth to a child for him, right?

Although there was clearly some conflict, although he clearly hadn't decided yet, although he clearly knew that it would be very difficult in the future….he clearly knew everything, but his feet had still involuntarily brought him over. Because he had remembered the words she had spoken that time she cried: Highness didn't come, and this servant concubine thought highness had someone else. This servant concubine's heart was deathly uncomfortable….

He didn't want her to feel any discomfort.

She had finally recovered and she was very happy she could get pregnant. Could he still pretend to be oblivious? Could he still get Doctor Hu to calculate dates?

Actually, he could.

He had many, many ways to prevent her from getting pregnant, but he couldn't bear to use them.

He was truly afraid of the flower's wilted appearance once she found out.

Forget it, forget it. Just let nature take its course.

If it really happened, they'd raise it properly.

If that day really came, it would still leave her with some support….

It was as if nothing happened, yet also as if something had happened. The days continued to smoothly pass.

Over a month passed once again, and there was suddenly a large commotion in the western pavilion.

After Nana He's adjustments, Xiao Hua's period had become very regular. But this time it was already over ten days late.

This was something that everyone paid attention to, and they were naturally extremely nervous.

When it delayed for a day, Ding Xiang's gaze grew a little strange. Xiao Hua also understood what it could mean.

Whenever the Jing Prince came to spend the night, his occasional advances were rebuffed by Xiao Hua. Luckily he was busy during this time and didn't ask for it too frequently. She had only refused two or three times.

These days the two were extremely close, and both were unbearably aroused. At this critical juncture, Xiao Hua considered her body's abnormality and then saw his extremely excited state. She had refused him a couple times, and this time was unable to do so again.

There were other ways to satisfy a man, and she ended up using various different methods. After almost half an hour, she had helped him relieve his problem.

"Why?"

"Ah?"

Xiao Hua opened her eyes and saw the Jing Prince's half furrowed brows.

"Why not let this humble prince touch you?"

Hearing this, Xiao Hua trembled and all her distracting thoughts vanished.

"That, that's not it." Seeing that if she didn't give a reason, this person would definitely be mentally scarred, Xiao Hua could only say quietly with a red face: "This servant concubine's period is overdue by ten days."

"What?"

As expected, one couldn't speak halfheartedly about things to him. Xiao Hua cleared her throat and spoke again: "This servant concubine's period is usually very punctual. This time it's late, and this servant concubine thinks she might be pregnant but isn't sure. She's afraid doing it will harm the child." After speaking, she lowered her head.

This person is really forcing her to say everything out loud. If she truly was pregnant, that would be absolutely wonderful. If she wasn't she would be embarrassed to death….

100

Hearing Xiao Hua say she might be pregnant, the Jing Prince directly froze.

However, he snapped out of it very quickly and raised his voice for someone to call Doctor Hu.

Xiao Xia Zi was outside and received the order. He was momentarily confused. After waiting for a bit without seeing any other movement, he went to carry out his orders. Xiao Qin Zi also turned around to inform Eunuch Fu. After all, calling for Doctor Hu wasn't a minor situation. Who knew what could have happened to his highness. If he really had some issue with his body and Eunuch Fu wasn't immediately informed, he and Xiao Xia Zi would be done for the next day. Even if they weren't put to death they would have to shed a layer of skin.

The two people in the room were still spacing out while those outside were up in arms due to the situation.

Xiao Hua sat there listening to the movements outside. Seeing that the two of them weren't in an appropriate condition to see anyone, and knowing Doctor Hu was about to come, she called for someone to prepare bathwater.

The two of them washed and changed. The bedsheets and what not were also changed to clean ones. The Jing Prince wore indoor casualwear and sat on the side of the bed. The curtains on the palanquin bed were closed. Xiao Hua was still lying in bed because the Jing Prince wouldn't let her get up.

Seeing the seriousness of the matter, Xiao Hua felt a lot of pressure. She felt even more that it would be laughable if she wasn't actually pregnant. Looking at the Jing Prince's expression, she couldn't infer any clues.

Eunuch Fu stood outside and asked quietly for an audience. The Jing Prince allowed him to come in. Seeing the Jing Prince sitting perfectly fine by the bedside, Eunuch Fu let out a breath of relief.

"Highness, are you feeling unwell?"

The Jing Prince shook his head and didn't speak.

Ding Xiang was also in the room. Eunuch Fu glanced at her, and seeing her expression contain some concealed delight, he had some guesses in his heart.

After a while, Xiao Xia Zi announced Doctor Hu's arrival. Eunuch Fu hurriedly summoned him inside.

"Examine the madam."

Ding Xiang walked to the bed and muttered in a low voice. A snow-white spotless wrist reached out through the curtains. Ding Xiang placed a silk handkerchief on it. Doctor Hu gave the Jing Prince a salute before stepping up to take her pulse.

At the same time, Ding Xiang leaned over and spoke some inaudible words to him.

After a long while, Doctor Hu opened his mouth and said: "Hearing high-ranked palace maid Ding Xiang's account of the situation, along with the condition of her pulse, madam should indeed be pregnant. It's just a little early so it's not too clear."

"Really?" Eunuch Fu's voice became pitched due to excitement.

Doctor Hu stroked his beard, "This, should be the case, with eighty percent confidence. But in order to be certain, the pulse needs to be taken after another half a month."

Actually Doctor Hu was already certain, but he was never willing to speak absolutes. Furthermore, it was still in its early stages and the pulse was truly not that clear, which was why he spoke this way.

Hearing Doctor Hu's words, everyone revealed a joyful smile. No one had any doubts at this time. Doctor Hu's medical skills were extremely good, and having eighty percent confidence was essentially a certainty. Eunuch Fu was also aware that Doctor Hu liked to keep things close to the chest.

"Sure, sure, sure. This one will personally come invite you in half a month."

Eunuch Fu personally sent Doctor Hu off. Ding Xiang asked Xiao Hua various things like whether she needed food or water before taking her leave as well.

Only the two of them remained in the room.

The Jing Prince was still in a state of shock. Only after seeing no movement inside the curtains in a long while did he raise the curtains and take a look.

He saw Xiao Hua lying there crying uncontrollably. It was just that her crying had always been restrained, and the way she cried wasn't like other people so he hadn't realized she was crying.

"Why cry?"

The Jing Prince went over to hug her and Xiao Hua leapt into his arms.

"Highness…..this servant concubine is happy….."

"It's a good thing, don't cry."

The Jing Prince stroked her hair and his heart rippled with an imperceptible affection. Although it was veiled, it still spread to his expression, allowing Xiao Hua to see that his highness seemed to be quite happy as well.

He took off his outer clothes and lay on the bed, pulling her into his arms but involuntarily loosening his grip.

"Highness, this servant concubine is with child…"

No one knew about the shock Xiao Hua's heart received when she heard Doctor Hu's diagnosis. These days she had only suspected, but was apprehensive and restless. Now that it was confirmed, she actually felt waves billowing in her heart.

What she wanted desperately in her past life didn't proceed smoothly at first in this one. Despite the number of opportunities, there had never been any good news. She knew there were some small problems with her own body, and could only take it slowly. But to say she wasn't disappointed would be a lie. She just wasn't willing to let others see it.

After finally getting her body more or less adjusted, she ended up falling victim to the Jing Consort's scheme. During that period of time her relationship with the Jing Prince hadn't been clear, and no one knew that she was extremely unsettled. After all, apart from a man's favor, the goal of a woman in this world was still to give birth to offspring.

"This servant concubine is very happy, likes it very much….." She muttered with her mouth but the tears on her face still continued to flow.

"Don't cry."

The Jing Prince half held the person in his arms and clumsily stroked her back. His other hand used his own collar to wipe away her tears. The stream of warm tears made his hand feel hot with pain.

This wasn't the first time Xiao Hua cried in front of the Jing Prince, but this time was the most moving. He didn't expect her to care so much about this. The Jing Prince felt it was lucky that he made that decision those few days ago.

Xiao Hua was brought to laughter by his clumsy gestures. She pulled his collar and wildly rubbed her face on it. Only after curling up for another while did she calm down. Her tearstained eyes were glittering.

"Highness, this servant concubine likes it very much."

"En."

"Highness, this servant concubine likes it very much."

"En."

"Highness, this servant concubine likes it very much. What about you?"

A large palm touched her lower stomach. Only after lightly making contact did he carefully place it on.

His hand paused and the Jing Prince said in a hoarse voice: "This humble prince, is very happy."

Only a few people knew about Xiao Hua's pregnancy.

Apart from those in the western pavilion, only Eunuch Fu, Auntie Qi and Doctor Hu knew about it. After half a month, Doctor Hu came by once again and this time confirmed it.

These days Eunuch Fu no longer stuck by the Jing Prince's side, and instead brought people in and out to construct a small kitchen for the western pavilion. After a couple days, Nana He took Auntie Meng and wandered over to the western pavilion.

Xiao Hua felt a little overwhelmed by favor due to these developments. Building a small kitchen was one thing, but Nana He and Auntie Meng made the meals for the Jing Prince. If they moved to the western pavilion, what about the Jing Prince's meals?

After asking him several times, he told her every time not to worry about his meals and properly take care of herself. After seeing the Jing Prince eat all his meals at the western pavilion, and rarely ever returning to the Hall of Splendor, Xiao Hua secretly rejoiced. Seems like this wasn't a bad development.

Eunuch Fu added a few more unfamiliar eunuchs and palace maids to the western pavilion. None of them were young, seemingly around thirty years old. They were cold faced and taciturn, and only knew how to bury themselves in work. Xiao Hua had looked them over before they came in. Since Eunuch Fu had arranged it, she didn't refuse.

Xiao Hua didn't know that the developments outside were even bigger.

The entire western three pavilion's first two pavilions were soon surrounded by tall walls. The second pavilion was directly uprooted. The commotion inside was extremely large and no one knew what was going on.

Since the two pavilions weren't far apart, Xiao Hua inevitably heard the noise.

She asked the Jing Prince who said they were renovating the pavilion.

From Nana He she finally heard that the Jing Prince felt this pavilion was too small, and wanted to expand it. Eunuch Fu suggested that they combine the first and second pavilions. Thinking of the estate's lack of a viewing garden, he also prepared to construct one.

The meaning was self-evident.

Xiao Hua felt even more overwhelmed by favor.

She had been favored before, but had never experienced such extravagance. The Jing Prince always treated her well, but with another person in her stomach the level of treatment shot up in a straight line to tumultuous effect.

She brought up her concerns to the Jing Prince that night when he returned.

The Jing Prince said: "No harm."

Well, since the Jing Prince, his highness, had said there was no harm, the little madam naturally felt no harm.

Eunuch Fu had been extremely enthusiastic over this period of time.

Madam Hua was pregnant, there was going to be a little master. He also looked favorably upon his highness's extravagant moves for the madam. He was even willing to add on to it. He had to ensure madam was comfortable and carefree to optimize her birthing conditions for the sake of an heir.

Auntie Qi poured a bucket of cold water over him as she said what if it's a young mistress.

Eunuch Fu also considered this. If there was one, there would be another one. It's more important for flowers to bloom first before any fruit would appear. He was willing to accept it. Of course, if it turned out to be a young heir he would die of happiness. But such thoughts couldn't be said out loud and he also wouldn't express them.

The old woman surnamed He said that it was important for a pregnant woman to maintain a carefree state of mind. This was what Nana He told him when they secretly discussed the topic.

Eunuch Fu appeared not to care, but actually kept it in mind. The palace maids and eunuchs in the western pavilion were all given a talking to by him. Anyone who made the madam unhappy would be making him and his highness unhappy. They could imagine the outcome by themselves.

Furthermore, he himself was also very attentive. He would always stroll around the western pavilion in his free time. If there was an extra twig in the walkway, an extra pebble on the road, or if the birds were chirping too loudly, he would bring it up.

Xiao Hua saw it and kept it in her heart. She would always be grateful to those who treated her well. No matter their motivation, ultimately well was well and she couldn't wipe that away based on their motivations.

This was Xiao Hua's personality, and was something she settled on over her two lifetimes. A magnanimous and understanding person knew to distinguish between gratitude and grudges. There was no need to nitpick everything. It was important to understand other people's positives, and not only think about their negatives.

Her relationship with Nana He was an example. Perhaps she didn't understand initially why this Nana would treat her so well, and slowly came to realize over time. However, well was well. Why was it necessary to fuss over why someone treated her well?

People's interactions were based on sincerity to begin with. As long as you bring out your own intentions and attitude, there was no need to worry about whether others were treating you well due to your personality or not.

The facts proved Xiao Hua's way of doing things weren't wrong. After moving to the western pavilion, Nana He did not forget about her even though no one had ordered it. Nana He had also helped her quite a lot during the event with Eunuch Fu. Even though Xiao Hua had been at odds with him, Nana He still sided with her quite a bit.

…

Because Eunuch Fu was busy with matters inside the western pavilion, the combining of the pavilions was handed to Eunuch Chang.

But Eunuch Fu observed and felt something was up. The walls surrounding the western pavilion especially made him feel weird.

Asking Eunuch Chang, he was told his highness wanted to renovate the pavilion. But renovations didn't require all this.

That day, he brought over the blueprints for the garden. Seeing his highness spread it out on the table to ponder over, he couldn't help but ask.

"Highness, did something happen?"

The Jing Prince placed the brush in his hand down and straightened up. After a moment of silence, he didn't conceal it, "This humble prince doesn't want others to know she is giving birth."

Eunuch Fu was completely stunned, and didn't understand why his highness would have such thoughts.

Letting his imagination roam, he thought of the small kitchen in the western pavilion, thought of Nana He, thought of those walls, thought of many things…..these were all arranged calmly by his highness and he had been happy to see it. Now that he put everything together along with his highness's words….

"Highness….."

At that instant, Eunuch Fu understood everything. His tears overflowed.

The Jing Prince's expression didn't change but the waves in his eyes didn't cease, "Just in case."

"Highness….."

"If anything really happens, you can take care of things."

"Highness….."

The Jing Prince pretended not to hear. Seemingly remembering something, his gaze softened, "Having a larger space gives her something to pass the time. Nana He said that pregnant women can't stay inside all day and needs to walk around outside. Help this humble prince think of places that one can spend time in without getting bored."

Eunuch Fu wiped away his tears. He bent forward, "This old servant will take care of it. I will definitely let madam feel happy."

After a pause he spoke again: "But for this to be hidden requires madam's cooperation."

The Jing Prince thought about it and said: "Let's wait and see after she gives birth. You arrange things with her servants."

"Yes."

Author's notes:

Everyone has different opinions. Would baby Jing be better or baby Hua? Or perhaps baby Jing and baby Hua coming out at the same time? This author likes girls. A baby Hua would look very cute and super adorable. But a miniature Jing Prince also seems deathly adorably. What a dilemma.