Chapter
Chapter 155: Morning
In the evening, Cheng Qing finally met the father he was most sticky with. The strength of that little bun's cry made Mu Xi Yao feel like puking blood.
After marching for so many days, Zhong Zheng Lin felt the most alive at this moment. The little Cheng Qing was a ghost spirit with a clever head and sharp eyes. The moment the little bun saw his father, he quickly wobbled to him and almost fell head-on. Fortunately, His Sixth Highness stepped in to hold him, otherwise, the little bun would have a mushroom on his head.
Gui momo, who was in charge of Cheng Qing, was so frightened that her face changed as she quickly apologised.
"Momo, don't be too hard on yourself. This little guy needs to be taught a lesson otherwise he would go crazy. Let him fall once a day, let's see if he doesn't have a long memory." Mu Xi Yao helped Gui momo up thinking that the man's pampering towards his son was not pleasing to the eye. "Your Highness, why don't we find a few kids of the servants for him to play with?".
Cheng Qin spent the entirety of his day being cared for by the momos, Mo Lan and the others like a pearl, those who didn't know thought he was a girl. Besides, children who didn't have playmates wouldn't have a less fun childhood. She had to find some people to roll and wrestle with him. After all, adults would not understand children's joy.
Zhong Zheng Lin kissed his son's cheek with eyes full of tenderness. The little guy grew taller, and his hands became slightly heavier. As for Mu Xi Yao's proposal just now, His Sixth Highness readily agreed.
Although the little girl herself was spoiled to the point of being outrageous, she didn't indulge her children in the slightest. In private she was very attentive to Cheng Qing and was very particular about everything he wore or ate. Her insistence and careful thought could only lead to Cheng Qin's good temperament, and he would definitely not become one of those useless and dandy nobility children. In regards to raising her child, Mu Xi Yao could be regarded as a maverick among the noble girls in Shengjing.
"Let Tian Fu Shan bring you a list of candidates in a few days. If you like someone's child, just let them stay". His Sixth Highness had always acted quickly and decisively on his own wishes, and like so, he was extremely fast when dealing with Mu Xi Yao's request.
Mu Xi Yao was very happy with the Boss's attitude, but how did she feel that he had the aura of a Mountain King when saying these words? Well, His Sixth Highness did go out to suppress bandits, naturally, when he came back he was full of gangster air. He actually said "just let them stay" as if it was a matter of one sentence. Didn't they still need the parent's permission? He spoke as if they were robbing someone else's child, and her good intentions could be easily misunderstood by His Sixth Highness's style. Really, those who came from the royal family were used to being domineering, especially Zhong Zheng Lin!
Tian Fu Shan who was waiting outside with his ears pricked up secretly shouted that it was not good. This errand was not easy to handle. The little master was just one year old but he needed to arrange some servant's kids as playmates. This kind of thing would be odd to find in anyone's house if not impossible and let's not speak of them being all children, when playing, wouldn't they be distracted and really hurt the little master? Even if His Highness and cefei were okay with it, Consort Shu would not!
Tian Fu Shan had a bitter expression on his face. His Highness had put him in charge of all the errands and correspondence with the imperial palace. If Consort Shu was dissatisfied, he would be the first to be blamed!
Moreover, if this news spreads, Tian Fu Shan felt that he would be so crowded with women and children that he would have nowhere to stand. The eldest son of His Sixth Highness was the only child in the family, and the degree of favour was self-evident. Being childhood playmates, this kind of affection was by no means comparable to that of ordinary servants. And cefei had always been lenient and generous, her rewards always a little bit thicker than others. Being able to serve in front of such a Master was definitely something to look forward to in the days to come.
Zhao momo and Mo Lan guarded the outside room. Listening to the couple discussing the little master's education and settling it down so quickly, they felt their hearts break. Such a tender little master was actually pushed out by cefei to play with the servant's children, how could cefei's heart be so hard?
The little master was exceptionally clever. At this age, he was able to walk very steadily but after all, his arms and legs were small. When Zhao momo thought that her little master would be led by those wild children to run around all over the yard, her heart throbbed like being stabbed by a needle and she even swayed a bit.
She stared at Mo Lan. Her eyes clearly send the message that when Mistress Yao was in the Mu Residence the little master was not taken care of properly, otherwise, he would not have grown like this causing him to be sent out.
Mo Lan reddened, her head was so low that she couldn't see anyone. The little master's temperament was obviously good, except for being a little noisy, he never gave anyone a problem. Now he was more capable of messing around and being unruly, but this was how every child of the aristocracy was raised! Being spoiled was to be on brand and there was nothing wrong with it. Cefei's outlandish ideas… could it be that she was just idle and spent her days just figuring them out?
"Jiao Jiao, serve the bath." His Sixth Highness ordered solemnly. It's just that the heat in his phoenix's eyes made Mu Xi Yao shy.
Holding Mu Xi Yao in his arms, Zhong Zheng Lin strode towards the Shuangyan pool ignoring the disapproving gazes of Zhao momo and others.
Once the two masters entered the pool, the servants knew it would take more than an hour for them to come out. The two servant girls on duty were too shy to look at each other, and they couldn't stop fretting. Hearing cefei's coquettish moaning from inside, they flushed with embarrassment.
"Your Highness~~" Mu Xi Yao was so weak that she lay limply on Zhong Zheng Lin's chest, she felt so lazy she didn't even want to move her fingers. This man was too fierce, how did he endure the march, when he had no women around?
"Jiao Jiao, hurry up and give birth." The beauty was so close yet she couldn't be eaten, Zhong Zheng Lin's pain was like Mu Xi Yao's. His Sixth Highness who was purposefully teased by Mu Xi Yao felt he was about to combust from desire. "Such a bewitching seductress, now you're feeling uncomfortable?"
Just as he was about to scold her for being bold and provocative, he accidentally caught a glimpse of the white plumpness of the little woman. Zhong Zheng Lin's eyes darkened, and he quickly closed his eyes and calmed down his mind.
This fairy was really killing people. Once you've got a taste of her, it was impossible to let her go. Zhong Zheng Lin felt that he was speechless when thinking about Mu Xi Yao's effect on him. The women he had before were not like her who could drive men crazy. His Sixth Highness who had been always apathetic to women's charms had to admit that each time he was intimate with Mu Xi Yao he often could not control himself and reason would fly away.
"Your Highness, your neck is leaning to the right!" Mu Xi Yao was terribly tired, how could she understand Zhong Zheng Lin's difficulty in forbearance? She pulled his arm, rubbed against him, found a comfortable position, and dozed off. "Huh? Why didn't qie see the cook qie asked for?" Just as the woman's breath calmed down, she suddenly remembered the person she had been yelling about for a long time. Why hasn't he reported to Danruo Courtyard yet? "Your Highness, you didn't forget about this, did you?" Mu Xi Yao pouted.
If the moment the Boss got busy he forgot all about her request, then why did she abide by their agreement and wrote letter after letter every day without a break?
Before Zhong Zheng Lin could control his longing, he was provoked again by her pouting, as suddenly moist red lips were in front of him, dazzling his eyes.
"Want someone? Serve well, and we'll talk about it." After saying that, he leaned over and devoured the delicate lips that had provoked him for a long time, biting the tip of her tongue lightly, and making Mu Xi Yao whimper softly.
Why again? Mu Xi Yao complained. If she had known that this beast could make trouble with any excuse, she would be out of her mind to mention the damn cook to him at this time.
"Still have the time to be distracted?" Zhong Zheng Lin raised his voice slightly when he caught a glimpse of Mu Xi Yao being lost in thought, and he kissed her even harder.
"Ah!" Mu Xi Yao exclaimed. When she lowered her head and bumped into the man who had an arrogant look, a sensual face and intense eyebrows, she was so angry that she immediately took revenge. "You're so bad!". The woman's temper immediately flared up. She stretched out her hand, pulled Zhong Zheng Lin's sideburns, and vented her anger without any restraint.
This stinky man was unable to control himself, didn't he know that these matters needed to be done in a healthy amount? How long did he plan to soak in this pool? The Big Boss was mentally stable, and he didn't feel ashamed of being listened to by others when being intimate with her nor he was shy when giving others an erotic live broadcast… But she couldn't, she was a down-to-earth and serious person!
Zhong Zheng Lin didn't care about Mu Xi Yao's outrageous behaviour at all, on the contrary, his expression became more cheerful. "Jiao Jiao's temper is more lovely than before. It's just right to be so coquettish."
Red fierce horses[1] often arouse the interest of men.
Mu Xi Yao's movements froze, and she was suddenly dumbfounded.
Sir Boss, can you concentrate a bit and understand qie's words? When will your self-talk, and groundless connections be corrected?
In the early morning of the next day, His Sixth Highness disappeared early. Mu Xi Yao was left alone, settled deep in the soft pillow, and she slept until Sishi[2].
[2] 巳时 sìshí. 9-11 am (in the system of two-hour subdivisions used in former times).
"Mistress, it's time to get up." Mo Lan bowed beside Mu Xi Yao and called out softly.
Sure enough, there was no movement. This scene was played every day, and Mo Lan was already familiar with it.
"Mistress, His Highness ordered you to have breakfast, you must definitely not miss it. Mistress…"
Mu Xi Yao lifted the quilt with a groan, revealing her small head angrily.
"But His Highness isn't here, right? So your Mistress will lie down and wait until His Highness comes back to remind me, then it won't be too late to get up again." Zhong Zheng Lin was really a pain in the bum, she was not allowed to rest at night, and he still asked her to wake up diligently in the early morning. She was a pregnant woman, alright? Not as good as that one with a martial arts foundation, he was so strong that Mu Xi Yao had lingering fears.
"How does Jiao Jiao know that bendian is not here?" The Sixth Highness's casual voice came from outside the screen.
Mistress and servant looked at each other, Mu Xi Yao's eyes were wide open. Seeing that her Mistress' face was not good-looking, Mo Lan quickly shook her head, it was definitely not that she was hiding something and not reporting it.
"Your Highness!" Mu Xi Yao pulled back the quilt, revealing only a pair of fiery eyes outside, as she coquettishly complained, "How can you sneak around and secretly listen to others' conversations?"
This habit was a bit scary… Boss came to her courtyard at least twice a day, if this continued, wouldn't she be caught by him rather often?
Zhong Zheng Lin had changed into jet-black regular clothes, removed the crown, tied his hair in a high bun behind his head, and let his hair hang loose in a casual way. Pulling up the hem of his clothes, he sat on a wooden chair not far from Mu Xi Yao, with his long legs stretched out straight.
Sneaking around? Zhong Zheng Lin secretly wrote down this debt. Soon the little woman will be gentle and soft, throwing herself into his arms. He was in no rush to ask her to settle this account.
"Shuzhong small dumplings, golden shrimp dumplings, and boiled tofu hasn't Jiao Jiao been greedy for a long time? Are you hungry now?". There was no need to work too hard on waking the little woman. It was enough to adapt to her tastes. Mu Xi Yao could move immediately as soon as she was sure there was delicious food waiting for her.
"Huh?" The woman who was still lazy and half-asleep just now blinked, and her pupils suddenly became bright. When she understood the meaning of Zhong Zheng Lin's words she sat up with a cheer.
Stretching her arms forward, she smiled very sweetly at Zhong Zheng Lin. "Qie wants to hug and freshen up."
Aiyo, this change was too fast. Zongzheng Lin smiled and a flash of calculation crossed his eyes. He took a few steps to pick her up, put her on his lap, and ordered someone to bring a hot towel for her face to let this precious and squeamish little baby freshen up quickly.
The taste was indeed better when the beauty took the initiative.
After feeding her a cup of warm water, he leaned over and smooched her little mouth that was still smacking, "Satisfied?"
Mu Xi Yao felt refreshed after washing up and she nodded vigorously while hugging the Boss. "Your Highness, qie is starving to death because of you." It's because you have too much physical strength, if it wasn't for accompanying you, qie wouldn't be so hungry early in the morning!
Mu Xi Yao was complaining, but His Royal Highness automatically understood it as a compliment. Being so admired by the woman in his heart, Zhong Zheng Lin felt delighted.
With her arms around the Sixth Highness' neck, she was carried all the way to the outside chamber. At the table, Mu Xi Yao sat on Zhong Zheng Lin's lap, waiting for the servant girl to serve the meal, her calves swaying triumphantly.
"Qie knew that His Highness will definitely remember." She printed a kiss on the side of the man's face. At this time she looked very flattering.
Pointing at her forehead, Zhong Zheng Lin raised his eyebrows, "Who pouted, lost her temper last night then bit someone?" Now you know how to flatter? Just the night before she pulled his sideburns and refused to let go.
Mu Xi Yao was embarrassed for a moment, then rolled her eyeballs, and smiled extremely cunningly. "Which little heartless woman served like this last night? Within so many women in His Highness's backyard, qie knows His Highness' heart the best. Your Highness, from now on, just come to qie's room instead of those goblins. Your Highness should not bother to trifle with them."
Mu Xi Yao leaned in to kiss his chin. She was confused and didn't remember who served him last night. Want to settle the score? She had to admit it first!
Seeing her playing tricks, Zhong Zheng Lin narrowed his phoenix eyes slightly and smiled condescendingly. "The fairy from last night was so powerful that bendian still had a deep recollection of it this morning. Bendian doesn't know who is more capable, her or Jiao Jiao. Jiao Jiao, what do you think about testing it with bendian tonight?"
Mu Xi Yao's smile froze for a moment. Staring at the man in front of her blankly, she felt the urge to bury herself for a moment.
Blast it! The Sixth Highness had already mastered the art of flirting. She, a former flirt, was bested by the brazen Boss! How come the upright and stern man from before became so good at romancing?
Mu Xi Yao tugged on his cuff with a bitter face. "Your Highness, qie's hungry. Maybe you can remember this after eating?" Eat at your heart's content first, punishment will come later. For the sake of delicious food, Mu Xi Yao made some concessions, but she could barely think about what would come after.
Zhong Zheng Lin was amused by her reluctance to give in, and his eyes became soft as he gently stroked her hair. "The goblin in the backyard is deadly, but bendian still really loves her." After saying that, he kissed her forehead and ordered someone to prepare the meal.
Mu Xi Yao originally thought that the Big Boss would take the opportunity to balance their accounts, but she never thought that he would mutter such cloying words. Her snowy cheeks were instantly dyed with red clouds, and she felt as if she was burning hot.
The meal was full of affection, with a certain flavour of fooling around. The blushed Mu Xi Yao leaned against Zhong Zheng Lin, looking lovely and uncharacteristically obedient. When His Sixth Highness fed her, Mu Xi Yao smiled and squinted without refusing.
Zhao momo and her group walked out of the door on their own initiative, unable to hide the smile on their faces.
It seemed that His Highness had missed cefei. When he came back from Shuzhong at least two points of affection were added. Mistress Yao's shy and adorable appearance in the morning made them secretly happy.
In the entire Mansion, only this Danruo Courtyard still saw some laughter. The rest of the courtyards were silent and looked deserted. Every time someone passed by, they would see a scene of bleak autumn wind and twilight. It was only because of Mistress Yao's ability to win His Highness's heart that Danruo Courtyard had a good fate.
When Tian Fu Shan rushed to Danruo Courtyard to invite someone, he saw His Sixth Highness' relaxed eyebrows, looking to be in a good mood. Mistress Yao was concentrating on making tea and her actions were so pleasing to the eye that just looking at it once would make people unable to take their eyes off.
"Master, Lord He Lian is coming to see you."
"Take him to the study to wait." He Lian Zhang's coming at this time, it should be that He Lian Min Min sent him a letter. Seeing that things had turned around, he rushed to the Prince's Mansion to plead guilty.
The old fox lived too well. This time that he was tripped up by someone it was excellent timing for him to be taught a lesson. Carrying people into his Mansion behind his back? This utilitarian old fox should cool himself down.
Zhong Zheng Lin had met He Lian Wei Rui before, and he was deeply impressed by her eyes that were the complete opposite of Mu Xi Yao's. Wanting to stuff this kind of woman into his Mansion, how could His Sixth Highness not be annoyed?
"Wait," Zhong Zheng Lin stopped Tian Fu Shan, who was about to leave, "take a cup of cefei's good tea and send it to He Lian Zhang." Drinking tea should wake up his calculating mind.
Mu Xi Yao secretly laughed, Zhong Zheng Lin's implied meaning was really wonderful. How could He Lian Zhang drink her cup of tea happily, he would definitely feel bad. Forget it, who told that guy it was okay to see her as a thorn in his side, his attitude just made the Sixth Highness disgusted with him at once. Let this be a lesson so he can remember it for a long time.
Tian Fu Shan's face twitched as he watched cefei deliberately add jasmine and mint to the Longjing tea, making a good pot instantly become a woman's scented tea.
Lord He Lian really stumbled this time, as he only managed to offend these two vindictive masters. Wasn't his original intention to please His Highness? It's just that there was no one in the Mansion who could please His Highness except from the one in front.
"Mistress, why don't you go and see the Lord?" After all, Feng momo was an old woman of the He Lian family, and she dared not ignore the Lord's arrival.
"So what if we see him?" He Lian Min Min practised calligraphy calmly, waiting quietly for His Highness to send someone to pick her up after noon.
According to His Highness' instructions from that day, today she was scheduled to leave the Mansion for a pulse check. After that, she no longer had to worry about this matter. As for the price she had to pay... He Lian Min Min's nose was sore when thinking about it.
"If it wasn't for the He Lian family's eagerness for quick success and quick profit that they believed the old monk's words and insisted on sending that bitch into the Mansion, would you and I have been forced to almost leave the Mansion without even having a place to stay?"
He Lian Min Min hated both the person who had plotted against her, and the He Lian family who was cold-blooded and ruthless; they even abandoned her, their blood relative.
"After this incident, apart from Madam, the He Lian family has nothing to do with us."
Feng momo noticed that the young lady's face was blank of emotions. She guessed that her Mistress no longer had any resentment left, but instead her heart was completely chilled. This day was so beyond one's imagination. Everybody knew how difficult it was for a woman to live in the backyard without the favour of her husband or the help of her natal family. But Feng momo no longer dared to mention a single word about fertility or birthing an heir.
Front yard of the Sixth Prince's Mansion.
In the outside the study, Lord He Lian was sitting upright. His face looked both helpless and exhausted.
He had been running around in the past few days, and asked for favours from everybody he could have asked favours from. Most were old acquaintances and colleagues in the officialdom, and although they not explicitly refused, they never agreed to speak on behalf of the He Lian family. The only few people who were willing to speak up and help were of a weaker rank and could barely rank among the Shenjing officials.
At this time, the name of He Lian Zhang being a loyal and clean official finally showed its disadvantages. People within factions naturally formed gangs and pairs, and often helped each other up. When something happened to him, who was a well-known loyal subject of the Emperor's party, there were many people watching the scene, but very few came to help him.
The Emperor's faction, that was, the party of the clean and loyal ministers, was formed mostly of literati and they have always looked down on each other, and couldn't be bothered to care for one another. It was not worth it to speak for the He Lian family. These people only looked forward to Emperor Yuancheng's words, and Emperor Yuancheng's attitude was unclear now, so naturally no one came forward to express their position.
Relationship Diagram (by Sith Kazar)
Footnotes
[1] Baidu. The rouge horse refers to the Yanqi horse, which often appears in ancient China. It is also a horse-shaped ornament. It is said to be a famous horse in ancient times. The oldest reference is from the "Three Kingdoms: Lu Bu Biography". It is said that Wu Sangui and Lu Bu rode a colored rouge horse. Its "whole body was as red as charcoal; from head to tail, one foot long; from hoof to the neck, it was eight feet high; screaming and roaring, it looks like flying into the sea".
[2] 巳时 sìshí. 9-11 am (in the system of two-hour subdivisions used in former times).
Chapter
Chapter 156: Benefits
"Your Highness." When He Lian Zhang saw the black-dressed Zhong Zheng Lin enter the study, he quickly stood up and bowed.
"Why, was the tea not up to your taste?" Zhong Zheng Lin spoke unhurriedly as he glanced at the tea bowl in He Lian Zhang's hand, there was still more than half of the scented tea that Mu Xi Yao had brewed with "care".
It seemed that Lord He Lian didn't appreciate Mu Xi Yao's tea-making skills.
He Lian Zhang, who was waiting with his head bowed, was embarrassed and didn't know how to reply, but when he heard His Highness continue speaking he knew His Highness would not pursue it.
"Master He Lian's attitude when visiting this time is more reserved than last time. In two days, the physician of the Imperial Hospital will come to the Mansion for a follow-up check-up. Is the Lord in a hurry to visit because he is afraid that bendian will not be able to wait for the imperial doctor and thus treat He Lian-shi badly?"
He Lian Zhang's heart trembled. He knew that His Highness was already dissatisfied, and he didn't have the guts to talk to him about rectifying the name of the He Lian family. At this time, it was better to admit his mistakes honestly and be extra cautious.
"Your Highness, this minister, this minister is guilty." He Lian Zhang had no choice but to kneel down slowly, bowing down and prostrating. He lowered his stance first and subdued, just hoping to dispel His Sixth Highness' anger.
"Oh? Bendian thought Lord He Lian had a certain belief of winning, he even prepared the dowry, merely just waiting for bendian to come over and welcome you."
He Lian Zhang's forehead was sweating. The He Lian family had indeed prepared the dowry for He Lian Wei Rui to leave her boudoir, His Highness' words were so clearly accusing him of plotting against him.
"Please forgive this minister, Your Highness. It was this minister who was delusional and did something stupid. The guilty minister is willing to accept the punishment."
Zhong Zheng Lin snorted coldly. Accepting the punishment? There will certainly be opportunities later.
"Your He Lian family really thought that no one would notice your little thoughts? Yet you actually implicated the Princess Consort in this matter. If there was no one tripping you, He Lian Zhang, what were you planning on doing?"
He Lian Zhang was too afraid to answer His Sixth Highness who was casually interrogating him while sitting above him. Regardless of whether it was a "thought" or a "plan", if he dared to reply to this, he would be charged with beheading. Emperor Yuancheng was still in good health, and trying to climb a prince who had the possibility of succeeding him was tantamount to having dissatisfaction with the current Emperor. Even if he had the courage to plan in his heart, he would never dare to reveal a word in front of His Sixth Highness.
Zhong Zheng Lin's voice was freezing cold. Seeing that he was obviously afraid, he just let it go. He Lian Zhang was still useful, particularly, it was good to leave him on the bright side to attract attention.
"The Princess Consort of bendian, once she has entered the gate of the Prince's Mansion, cannot let others make trouble for herself. This point, Lord He Lian, needs to be kept in mind."
He Lian Zhang lowered his body even lower. His Highness' words really made him feel complicated. He knew that His Highness' words naturally meant that the person behind the scenes would definitely not succeed. His Sixth Highness speaking these words conveyed his intention of keeping the He Lian family and Lian Min Min safe. Without the root cause, the He Lian family can escape smoothly. What was worrying was that the He Lian family was also included in the category of "others". Such a typical clan struggle, yet the price to pay was extremely high when it ran into His Highness' hands.
"Master He Lian, when you have time, you might as well consider carefully. Is your He Lian family not satisfied with the title of Princess Consort? There are many errands inside and outside the court. If the children of the He Lian family look down on them, there are still many people waiting in line behind them."
[Bambi: This line caused me many troubles, I'm just guessing this is what ZZL meant but he might not be.]
The kneeling He Lian Zhang trembled, feeling quite frightened. The meaning of His Royal Highness' words could not be more clear, if the He Lian family did not give an explanation this time, there was no need to discuss this matter.
After spending most of his life in the officialdom, He Lian Zhang still had enough brains to win the position of Minister of the Ministry of Punishment. Although the situation was not satisfactory, at this time, if he seized the opportunity to be loyal to His Sixth Highness, not only would he be able to escape disaster, but he would also be able to safely follow His Highness all the way to prosperity.
Immediate benefits were nothing compared to long-term benefits. At this time, sacrifice some petty profits and only wait for the Sixth Highness to... At that time, the entire He Lian family will be extremely prominent. Finally understanding the key point, Lord He Lian's expression eased.
What happened next was almost a matter of course. He Lian Zhang put his heart on the line and frankly pleaded his loyalty and determination to the Sixth Highness. Thus, desperately tied the entire family's interests with the Sixth Prince's Mansion tightly.
Zhong Zheng Lin sat quietly with an indifferent expression and he only made a sound at the right time to show his attitude as he watched the old fox He Lian rush up to flatter him. This conversation about the future of the He Lian family was settled under the guidance of His Sixth Highness like this. The result Mu Xi Yao aimed at could be regarded as achieved.
The two met in the study for more than half an hour and it was not until His Highness gave the right words that He Lian Zhang finally let out a sigh of relief, yet his back was already wet with sweat.
This master's temper was really hard to serve. Although the foundation of the He Lian family had been preserved this time, it was actually broken. His Sixth Highness only made such a cold remark, but the benefits that flowed out of the He Lian family were enough to make the entirety of Shengjing jealous. Without the few waterways and commercial roads in their hands, the family's income had plummeted by more than seventy percent. Fortunately, there was still hope for the future, otherwise, Lord He Lian might be heartbroken and overwhelmed.
He Lian Zhang wiped the sweat from his forehead. This meeting was more exhausting than the interrogation by the Ministry of Criminal Justice. The majesty of His Sixth Highness was so intense that he really didn't dare to be distracted for a moment.
A plan that was thought to be able to climb straight to the sky, but in the end, it was a big failure! Whose power was it that had stepped in and almost turned the He Lian family's boat in the gutter? The boulder hanging in his heart was removed, and He Lian Zhang was finally able to devote all his attention to investigating this matter.
"Settled so soon?" Mu Xi Yao held Zhong Zheng Lin's big hand and leaned on him.
"Go for a walk." Listening to Tian Fu Shan's report, Mu Xi Yao spent less time walking around during this period. It should be because she was too busy being lazy and making small calculations, which delayed this business. "What did bendian explain before leaving the capital, Jiao Jiao, do you still remember?"
People were supposed to watch her walk a few steps every day, yet this woman relied on her status and insisted on suppressing the servants of Danruo Courtyard so that no one dared to speak out. Zhong Zheng Lin put his arms around her and waved away most of the attendants, leaving only Wei Zhen and Mo Lan behind. At this time, there was no one around, so Mu Xi Yao wouldn't lose face, it was just right to settle the matter of her laziness.
Mu Xi Yao was slowly led forward by him, and when she sensed that the direction of the conversation was wrong, she immediately put her empty left hand on the man's arm, leaning her small head towards him. She was about to come up with a beauty trick to escape but was quickly spotted by Lord Boss, who was still sane.
"Keep an eye on the road. You are pregnant, don't toss about." His Sixth Highness spoke sternly.
As soon as Mu Xi Yao was caught in the midst of her mischief, she just played tricks every time, and he never saw her change in the slightest. At this moment, they were still walking on the small road paved with bluestone slabs. It had rained last night, and the ground was slippery, so special attention was needed yet this woman leaned crookedly on him and her eyes were not paying any attention to her feet.
Mu Xi Yao saw that the Boss was not easy to fool, so she turned her dark eyes [B, slipped her small hand inside Zhong Zheng Lin's wide sleeve, and caressed his strong arm lightly just clearly making trouble.
Boss, before you left, you babbled for a long time, explaining many small and scattered matters, how could qie remember them all? Qie's not a recorder, so it is only normal to be unable to answer.
"Today qie just happened to snooze for a little while. Mo Lan can testify." That girl should be smarter, don't be intimidated by the Boss' prestige when standing in front of him, come on, tell the truth.
"Why does bendian need to call your people for proof? Do you think Tian Fu Shan dared to hide it from me?" Zhong Zheng Lin grabbed her troublesome little hand, held it in the palm of his hand, and rubbed it gently.
If it wasn't for the wrong timing, the little woman's gentle caressing would be quite interesting. His Sixth Highness temporarily suppressed the desire in his heart and continued to lecture Mu Xi Yao severely.
"This baby has already gone through twists and turns. You don't listen to the doctor's instructions and move around carelessly. When the delivery comes, if you suffer and lose your temper, Jiao Jiao should wait to be taken care of." Zhong Zheng Lin recalled the mess Mu Xi Yao made when her first child was born. In the delivery room, everyone was jumping around like dogs. Recalling it, he couldn't help but feel edgy.
This time, if this woman dared to mess around again and refuse to listen to the midwife's guidance, she will definitely be taught a lesson.
Mu Xi Yao saw that her usual tricks had failed, and instead made His Sixth Highness' complexion more and more serious, so she quickly changed to a new trick to deal with the Boss' unpredictable temper.
"Ouch!" Mu Xi Yao cried, her eyes closed suddenly, and her black eyebrows tightly frowned.
Zhong Zheng Lin was startled by the sudden change, hugged her, and let her lean in his arms, with an anxious expression on his face, "What's the matter? What hurts?" Why did she suddenly cry out in pain?
In such a hurry, the scolding from earlier was naturally forgotten.
"Some dust is blinding qie's eyes, it hurts." Mu Xi Yao wailed. Don't dare to pretend to be a serious problem or the loss would outweigh the gain, like causing Zhong Zhen Lin to be mad. Such a minor ailment, which was neither painful nor itchy, was thus easily picked up.
Hearing that it was just dust getting into her eyes, His Sixth Highness' anxious heart slowly settled down. Fortunately, there was nothing wrong with her belly. He was afraid of accidents as premature birth could be fatal.
Zhong Zheng Lin was about to appease the little woman who was frowning, but Mu Xi Yao didn't care about it and just rubbed her eyes with her hand straight up.
This woman! Reluctantly, Zhong Zheng Lin pulled down her little hand that was moving indiscriminately and lifted her chin slightly. "Hey, just blow the dust, don't hurt your eyes with your hands."
Mu Xi Yao tried her best to keep her face sullen, with a sad expression on her face. But in her heart, she began to regret. This weak little white flower's [1] expression was too difficult to hold, had she known she would've found another excuse to distract the Boss.
Seeing that Zhong Zheng Lin's face was approaching, and was about to pull her eyelids, Mu Xi Yao became nervous and threw herself into his arms in a hurry, forgetting to continue pretending.
Just kidding, her eyelids being pulled by the Boss, even if it was a thoughtful action, Mu Xi Yao couldn't bear to let Zhong Zheng Lin see her in such an appearance. No matter how much the man said to love her, it was better if such tasteless instants were fewer.
"It doesn't hurt anymore, it doesn't hurt anymore." The little woman shook her head like a rattle. After a while, she looked up at him with a playful smile and raised her eyebrows. Zhong Zheng Lin couldn't recover from this change.
Taking a closer look at her smug face, snickering like a little fox, ah, His Royal Highness instantly understood that this woman was not innocent, but merely humming, and pretending to be a fool for him.
When Zhong Zheng Lin thought about it, he understood that she was making such a big move as she just wanted to get away without punishment. This method really made him angry. Just as he was about to catch her and teach her a good lesson, he saw Mu Xi Yao's expression change, obediently leaning on his chest, shy and not daring to raise her head, a pair of small hands grasping his brocade robe, loosening and tightening.
"Your Highness is so nervous, taking qie to his heart, qie's heart is very happy." Mu Xi Yao put her right hand on his chest and listened carefully to his heartbeat. The sudden intimacy made Zhong Zheng Lin's breathing stagnate.
Mu Xi Yao saw the Boss getting angry so she quickly responded softly, showing a rare warmth. She wanted to say a few words to scare His Sixth Highness, but after much deliberation, she couldn't find a suitable wording. In the end, she simply chose the most straightforward sentence and rushed straight into Zhong Zheng Lin's heart.
Mu Xi Yao was in an emergency, and she only had one idea: to attack His Sixth Highness first and hit the nail on the head with one blow.
Sure enough, the effect of the occasional "emotional outburst" was that Lord Boss had calmed himself down, and no matter how many lessons he'd planned to teach her, they were all wiped out.
When Zhong Zheng Lin heard Mu Xi Yao's rare show of affection, his heart immediately went numb, and the chest touched by Mu Xi Yao gradually felt hot.
In the end, he finally caved to her relentless pestering [2]. This enchantress' ability to ignite and put out fires was truly amazing!
Zhong Zheng Lin sighed helplessly, and only took the opportunity to enjoy the beauty's affection. "It's getting more and more naughty, really ought for a slap." The slap fell on her little derriere and although the first two were decent slaps later they became more and more wanton.
Mu Xi Yao let out a soft breath, struggled a little, and wouldn't stop complaining. "Who told His Highness to teach others so much that qie's head was dizzy? Anyway, His Highness is back in the mansion, so His Highness can just watch qie, qie will listen."
Why so much trouble? No matter how loud he threatened to teach her, anyway didn't he just let her go? Mu Xi Yao was very proud. To deal with Lord Boss, she had to fall out and do such a strange move, but the Boss was so dazzled that he had no time to liquidate her debt.
Zhong Zheng Lin had eaten enough tofu [3, and seeing her walking for a while, her complexion was already ruddy, so he simply hugged her and walked towards the gazebo.
"It's very rare for Jiao Jiao to ask bendian to be with Jiao Jiao all the time. If bendian has time, bendian will be with Jiao Jiao." Zhong Zheng Lin deliberately distorted her meaning and when he saw her pouting, a smile appeared in the corner of his eyes.
The little woman was getting more and more courageous now, daring to play tricks in his face. However, her temperament did not change, even if she faked it, it was still very flamboyant on the surface.
Mu Xi Yao put her arms around his neck, fawning, and continued to ask. "Your Highness hasn't told qie if the He Lian family has lost money this time?"
She worked so hard, and she couldn't do without something in return. Moreover, according to Zhong Zheng Lin's temperament, although he would not spend his time trying to get the He Lian family's wealth, he would not generously push away the benefits being delivered to his door.
"So promising." Zhong Zheng Lin laughed. The little woman insisted on caring about the result. Well, as long as she wanted it, so as not let her keep it in her heart and consume her mind.
It's strange, among the account books handed over to her, except for the two waterways of He Lian's family, which one was not more beneficial than the other? She looked down at those at home and insisted on getting the ones from outside. With this temperament, should she be praised for being a good housekeeper?
"The He Lian family waterways Jiao Jiao wanted can't be given, but Jiao Jiao can still take over the shop in Shengjing for fun." The doting tone of His Sixth Highness made the two people standing outside the pavilion sigh at the same time.
Because Mistress Yao wanted it, so you grasped the waterway trade road and other business? If Lord He Lian knew about it, he might be so angry that he vomited blood. Even if it was a shop, it was also a prosperous shop in the capital, making money every day. If this business was done by Mistress Yao, the store may have come up with something weird.
At the same time, the two thought of those small and exquisite objects in the Jia Yi store whose prices had remained high up until now and felt that Mistress Yao was really good at the business.
"Shop?" Mu Xi Yao disliked it. There was a Jia Yi manager who came to report his work every month. It was really annoying, he did nothing but disturb her comfortable life, and she would be a fool to pick up another shop! "No shops, but waterway business." In the territory of Great Wei, anyone who was involved in waterway transportation was absolutely guaranteed to make a profit without losing money. Mu Xi Yao still knew this truth.
His Royal Highness the Sixth Prince wanted to hide this good thing from her and give her the broth [4, but there was no way! If she wanted to play, she needed to plan a good way of having money thus having a good future! Did the Boos think she could only do business in Shengjing?
Zhong Zheng Lin saw that she was angry and unhappy as if she was being bullied by him, so he let out a muffled laugh, "Does Jiao Jiao know where this waterway leads to?"
"Where?" Mu Xi Yao asked confidently. Anywhere it led it would still be good for business, as long as there were people, how could anyone be afraid of losing money?
Wei Zhen's face twitched. Mistress Yao was so bold. She even dared to think of having the Qu River in the south of the Yangtze River [5, the most important taxpayer under the eyes of Emperor Yuancheng.
Back then, the He Lian family's grandparents invested eighty percent of the family property in it with the family money, so they received the court's favour and were able to share half of the bonus. Even His Highness dare not intervene openly. This was all a private agreement and the Emperor should not know the slightest word of the change of ownership of the waterway. Mistress Yao didn't understand anything now, so she was so bold and ready to challenge Emperor Yuancheng.
Zhong Zheng Lin patted her dishonest head, laughed, and teased, "If Jiao Jiao wants the water transportation in the Qu River for herself, she can go to the palace to face the Emperor and report in person."
Mu Xi Yao was embarrassed. This uncle [6] actually snatched money from Emperor Yuancheng's hand! He was so courageous he even broke the ground on Tai Sui's head [7].
Zhong Zheng Lin noticed that she looked devastated that she couldn't reap the benefits. This small appearance of hers made His Sixth Highness amused.
"Is Jiao Jiao's monthly money not enough to spend?" This woman's begging for waterways was purely greedy for novelties. If she truly got to manage it, she will get awkward after keeping it for a day or two and will quit.
Mu Xi Yao rolled her eyes in disdain. Was she so worthless?
There was no hope for the waterway, what about the commercial road?
Zhong Zheng Lin could see her thoughts and patiently explained this embarrassment. "The business road leads to the two Jins. It takes at least three months to go back and forth. Horse thieves are rampant on the road. Does Jiao Jiao want to deal with the escort again?"
Mu Xi Yao completely stopped thinking after hearing his complicated words.
Grandma, it was really a waste of time. All this shiny white silver went into the pocket of the Big Boss who came out halfway. If she had known that the He Lian family was so poor, she wouldn't have bothered to worry about it.
Mu Xi Yao was wronged, of course, she wouldn't let the Sixth Highness enjoy himself alone. She did not make a fuss, merely looking at him listlessly. Zhong Zheng Lin narrowed his eyes and finally expressed his favour.
"Jiao Jiao has worked hard for a long time." Zhong Zheng Lin himself felt that this was awkward. This woman rarely used her brains if she was not pushed by him. In a flash of inspiration, she got this idea and carefully plotted for money for half a day. It's just that he couldn't say it like this, otherwise, the woman wouldn't be able to stop. "The waterway business road is not suitable, how about Jiao Jiao takes the Zhuangzi in the suburbs of Shengjin as a condolence?"
Mu Xi Yao would like the Zhuangzi [8] very much. In fact, she had asked several times for one but failed to succeed. Zhong Zheng Lin was afraid that she would use the excuse of inspecting the property to keep going outside the Mansion. But now it was appropriate. Not only could he stop her from talking, but he was not afraid of her sneaking out to play around in private.
Why did Zhong Zheng Lin believe that Mu Xi Yao had no way to run outside? What else, if she was not in Shengjing by then, how could she slip away?
Relationship Diagram (by Sith Kazar)
Footnotes
[B] As a translator, something that annoys me in the novel is the author's repetitive use of the phrase "Mu Xi Yao turned her eyes" when she simply wants to say MXY's contemplating or getting an idea. Like, it sounds so odd, and she uses it too much! The worst part is that I feel that if I change it, it's a bit like changing the author's signature… awful signature btw. Currently crying.
[1] A "little white flower" is a Chinese term used to refer to a woman who's good, kind, and lovable.
[2] 終是抵不住她纏磨功夫 - The breakdown of the words in this sentence ("to wind around/to coil/to tangle" and "to rub") really made me want to translate this bit as "got him wrapped in her little finger", lmao. In the end, I still didn't.
[3] "Zhong Zheng Lin had eaten enough tofu", meaning, grope, take advantage sexually, like that.
[4] "His Royal Highness the Sixth Prince wanted to hide this good thing from her and give her the broth" as in, don't let her eat the meat in the soup but just the broth, give her scraps of a good thing.
[5] 江南瞿河 - south of Changjiang or Yangtze river, Qu River.
Wikipedia (Yangtze): The river originates from several tributaries in the eastern part of the Tibetan Plateau, two of which are commonly referred to as the "source." These tributaries join and the river then runs eastward through Qinghai (Tsinghai), turning southward down a deep valley at the border of Sichuan (Szechwan) and Tibet to reach Yunnan.
[6] She called him 大爷- dàye (coll.) father's older brother/uncle/a term of respect for older men. I think it's a bit like "grandpa, father" in Chinese culture, she's calling him from an older generation because she's admitting he's superior (cuz he robbed the Emperor lmao).
[7] 太歲頭上動土 tài suì tóu shàng dòng tǔ. In ancient times, the position where Tai Sui was located was on the evil side, and it was not suitable to start construction. Therefore, it is used as a metaphor for offending powerful or vicious people.
The 3rd and 2nd chapters of Water Margin: "You, Niao Tutuo, want to fight with me, and you are coming to break ground on the head of Tai Sui."
The 3rd and 5th chapters of Small History of Civilization: "The great monk there is very versatile, and he is very recognizable. The prince in Beijing, Bei Ziye, even in Jinan City, is rampant, no one dares to break ground on Tai Sui." (From the National Academy for Educational Research.)
[8] 莊子 zhuāngzi. Refers to a property outside the city, usually where the family has planted their daily food intake (so they don't have to buy it). It is used as a place to play when getting tired of the city. (If you've read many historical Chinese novels then you already know).
Chapter 157: Hope
Mu Xi Yao won the Zhuangzi that she'd been coveting for a long time, but she returned to Danruo Courtyard with a look of sorrow. After Zhong Zheng Lin settled the person down, he turned around and went to Chanrou Courtyard.
"Pack up, we will be leaving the mansion."
He Lian Min Min was dressed like a lady from an ordinary family, and although she didn't look like a Princess Consort, she still looked very elegant. Seeing that she was ready, Zhong Zheng Lin asked Tian Fu Shan to arrange the carriage.
The two sat at the mahogany Eight Immortals table, holding teacups and quietly waiting. He Lian Min Min still remembered their conversation from before. Thinking that His Sixth Highness was willing to keep her, a possibly useless woman, occupying such an honorable position in the Mansion, she was grateful but didn't know how to express it.
He Lian Min Min couldn't figure out why His Highness was particularly resolute in this matter. After all, if she wanted to talk about the relationship between husband and wife, she couldn't even lie to herself. Usually, His Highness' attitude was only respectful, and there was almost no intimacy. But when this incident happened, even when the He Lian family had made up their minds to abandon her, only His Highness was willing to protect her. No matter what the motive was, He Lian Min Min appreciated this kindness. Even if His Highness asked her to take care of that woman in Danruo Courtyard when necessary, she would not refuse as in fact, this matter would do her more good than harm.
Let's say she was "being comprehensive" [1, but to put it more clearly, it was a cover-up for the favor Mu-shi enjoyed in Prince's Residence. If she helped with a few small words, the reputation she gained not only made the "wife and concubine are harmonious" image but also showed that she managed the Mansion properly; it also let people know that His Royal Highness' affection for her as a Consort was still there.
Thinking of getting definite news today and finding out what was going on with her body, it was difficult for He Lian Min Min to keep calm. If the truth could be found out, the person who harmed her must have left clues.
"Let's go." Seeing Ye Kai driving over, Zhong Zheng Lin got up first, looked at the carriage carefully, and when he was satisfied, he helped He Lian-shi into the carriage, then he opened the curtain and followed.
"Ye Kai, Red House."
He Lian Min Min was about make more place for Zhong Zheng Lin but when she heard his orders, she looked up in shock, with a look of disbelief.
Red House? He Lian Min Min looked a little unnatural. How could His Highness go to a brothel known to everyone in Shengjing? And bring her, the Princess Consort, with him. He Lian Min Min resisted such an undignified thing.
"The person who will treat you lives in the Red House." Seeing that He Lian-shi's face changed awkwardly, Zhong Zheng Lin explained just barely.
He Lian-shi's reaction was just like a young lady brought up by a noble family. Compared with Mu Xi Yao's eyes sparkling when she heard about the Red House, Zhong Zheng Lin really didn't know how to explain the little woman's excitement. Her family was not vulgar. Her mother, Lady Yu, was a woman who followed the rules and Sir Mu was even more of a gentleman, with strict principles. How could it be possible to raise Mu Xi Yao, an unruly and sly girl?
Zhong Zheng Lin pondered over the strangeness of the little woman with great interest, but He Lian Min Min felt a little embarrassed as if she had been pardoned.
How could she think so badly of His Highness? His Highness was already rare among the princes, he was upright and self-disciplined, and he was really not the kind of person who sought pleasure. Otherwise, it would not be Mu-shi's turn to be solely favored, and their Mansion would be a different scene. To begin with, the female singer that was common in ordinary families was not seen in the Sixth Prince's residence. This made it easy for a person to send two dancers, but in the end, they were beaten up by Mu Xi Yao and lost their lives.
The two of them were thinking about their own thoughts along the way, and there was no half-word conversation in the carriage. Ye Kai who was driving in front suddenly felt that he was not used to this.
The frame that had been prepared earlier was temporarily swapped by His Royal Highness. Even the original delicate layout was not allowed to stay, instead, another set with an ordinary style was prepared.
Ye Kai couldn't figure it out at first, why was such a delicate and comfortable arrangement left behind? Later, Wei Zhen made a point, this time His Highness was out of the mansion with the Princess Consort, not with Mistress Yao. In the carriage, there was an object that His Highness was not allowed to touch. Mistress Yao had a weird temperament. If someone touched something she liked, she will lose her temper. His Highness spoiled her so much that he obeyed everything Mistress Yao said. Now, when going out with the Princess Consort, His Highness had to take care of that temper even when he left the mansion, thus he had to make some arrangements.
Now that the carriage was changed, without the usual upholstery, Ye Kai suddenly felt fidgety. Also, wasn't it a little too quiet in the back? Why was there no sound since His Highness got into the carriage? Every time His Highness and Mistress Yao were together inside, how can there be quiet time? It's not that Ye Kai has never seen some scenes that would make outsiders blush.
Being so quiet now, which should be the most appropriate and normal etiquette of a noble family, somehow made him a little worried. Could it be that the Consort angered His Highness, so he was reluctant to speak?
The situation in the carriage was not as bad as Ye Kai thought. He Lian Min Min didn't find it uncomfortable. Seeing that Zhong Zheng Lin didn't want to speak, she just sat aside obediently and refilled him with some tea at the right time, so as not to be useless. In addition, this matter hasn't been settled, if she talked or did too much it would show her eagerness.
In a wing room of the inner courtyard of the Red House, a woman with a light veil covering her face saw Zhong Zheng Lin leading someone in. She spoke to them respectfully, "This is the Princess Consort? Greetings."
They sat at the table. Sitting so close, the woman's exquisite figure couldn't be hidden and the voice that fell into He Lian Min Min's ears was the words of swallows and the singing of orioles [2]. If it wasn't for the veil covering her face making her unable to see her real face, He Lian Min Min would have thought that another fairy like Mu Xi Yao had appeared in the world.
"Auntie doesn't have to be polite. His Highness respects you as his Aunt. He Lian-shi will follow His Highness." Just listening to her voice, this Yu Gu looked like a seventeen or eighteen-year-old girl, she didn't match the title of aunt.
She was curious but didn't dare to show it on her face. These people were eccentric and used strange methods to maintain their appearance, and wasn't this Yu Gu's forte? Since people were hiding their faces, why bother to offend them recklessly?
According to His Highness, in the entire Shengjing, no one could beat the woman in front of him in terms of fragrance and medicine. Whether she could achieve her unspeakable hope was in the hands of this woman.
(Bambi: Guessing getting pregnant from His Highness and securing her seat.)
"Princess Consort, please put your hands in the water, soak them entirely." The servant girl standing behind Yu Gu brought a wooden basin with an unidentifiable material and placed it in front of He Lian Min Min.
Looking at the clear water in the basin, which was no different from the usual ones, He Lian Min Min was a little nervous, but she still rolled up her sleeves. Gently putting her hands into the basin, her fingertips just touched the surface of the water, and she instantly felt the unusually cold breath quickly spreading up along her fingers.
"Ah!" He Lian Min Min cried in shock. This feeling was too strange, although it was cool and refreshing, it has a slight tingling and itching.
Zhong Zheng Lin frowned but did not make a sound to interfere with Yu Gu's consultation.
"Princess Consort, don't be alarmed, this water has medicinal powder, and it won't do any harm to the body. It's just that I need to borrow the power of medicine to diagnose the pulse of the Princess Consort," Yu Gu spoke very kindly, comforting He Lian Min Min who was caught off guard.
"Oh, qie was being rude." He Lian Min Min slowly put her hand into the water again until it was completely submerged, and then she heard Yu Gu say, "Princess Consort, sit down for a while. The effect of the medicine will take a stick of incense to work."
Yu Gu was speaking to He Lian Min Min, but looking at Zhong Zheng Lin. Zhong Zheng Lin expressed his understanding with a hum, and after a moment of silence, he asked a question that made Aunt Yu Gu puzzled.
"Do you have a prescription to relieve the pain of childbirth?"
He Lian Min Min's fingertips that were not underwater trembled slightly. She knew exactly who he asking this for, and it was not her. His Highness really held Mu Xi Yao dearly. Ever since the conversation between the two of them happened, His Highness no longer had any scruples, and couldn't wait to get a prescription for the pregnant Mu-shi even when he was in front of her.
Yu Gu didn't know much about the affairs of Zhong Zheng Lin's house, so she felt that this question was really bizarre. Could it be that His Highness was asking this for someone very important?
"Dare to ask if this person is Mu cefei?" Although it would be inappropriate to ask so bluntly in front of He Lian-shi, since Zhong Zheng Lin spoke, there should be no problem.
Sure enough, Zhong Zheng Lin didn't feel anything was wrong. "Of course. Mu-shi will give birth next month. She is more delicate and can't bear the pain. The last time she gave birth was a toss." Facing Yu Gu, Zhong Zheng Lin did not hide Mu Xi Yao's embarrassing faults.
Yu Gu was a little startled when she first heard this, and it took her a long time to be sure that His Highness was not joking, then her face showed some understanding.
"Medicine is not really suitable for young children. If cefei can bear it, it is better not to use it, but if the pain is really severe, there are still some mild supplements for the body, which should be of some help."
She knew His Highness for so many years, yet only today she found know that this cold-faced man also had his tender moments.
She thought that the outside rumors were all exaggerations, and never actually thought that Mu-shi had such a good ability on taming this hard-hearted Sixth Highness. Aunt Yu shook her head secretly, this man was so tough, it would not be an overstatement to say that he was heartless.
"Is that so, then I'll trouble Yu Gu." Zhong Zheng Lin really surprised himself today. He said, how could a woman not give birth without pain? He was really muddled from being pestered by Mu Xi Yao. Zhong Zheng Lin laughed at himself.
(Bambi: I sometimes forget the reputation of ice man ZZL has, he is so goofy with MXY though. Only a cunning woman could make a sly man fall~ Also, poor MXY, she really thought YG had anesthesia).
Looking at the water clock [3, Yu Gu asked the maid to hand over a brocade handkerchief, then Gui Li wiped He Lian Min Min's hands as instructed. Then, putting two fingers on He Lian Min Min's wrist, Yu Gu closed her eyes for a long time. After switching hands and checking the pulse again, she opened his eyes after a long time, with a solemn expression.
He Lian Min Min's heart went cold, she never felt such anxiety. After scrutinizing He Lian Min Min complicatedly for a moment, Yu Gu motioned for her to put down her sleeves. Letting the maid remove the wooden basin, Yu Gu turned around and spoke to His Sixth Highness who was sitting upright on the top seat [4] of the table.
"Your Highness, Princess Consort was given poisonous medicine when she was young. It has been seven years. During these seven years, the medicine has accumulated every day, and now she is seriously ill." Yu Gu shook her head and sighed.
He Lian was just a child seven years ago. What kind of enmity was this, to go to such lengths to murder her, to insist on keeping her alive and letting her suffer the despair of having no children. He Lian Min Min trembled when he heard the words, and the brilliance in her eyes almost disappeared.
Zhong Zheng Lin's expression became somber for the first time, "This medicine should be given by the people serving close by adding it to the meals every day?"
If someone was planted next to He Lian Min Min, there was no guarantee that someone will not be arranged at Mu Xi Yao's Danruo Courtyard. There was also that child Cheng Qing, the easiest target to attract people's envy.
"Of course. It must be the servants around the Consort. They can touch the food and tea, and melt the medicine into it."
After getting Yu Gu's reply, Zhong Zheng Lin immediately turned around and looked at He Lian Min Min with gloomy eyes, "Who of your people prepares your meals?"
He Lian Min Min already had tears in her eyes, and her hands were tightly clenched, "Bi Lan, Tao Hong."
"The two of them are from the He Lian Mansion, and they have been with you for more than seven years, correct?"
He Lian Min Min burst into tears, her voice trembling. "Tao Hong was given by my mother three years ago. Bi Lan, who has been serving qie since she was eight years old, was considerate and she handed over this job to her."
How could she believe this? Did Bi Lan really betray her? He Lian Min Min felt light-headed for a while. Such affection from childhood to adulthood couldn't be trusted. In the huge Prince's mansion, what could be worthy of her trust?
"Wei Zhen, quickly arrest her and bring the person here." Whether she had made a move or not, they will know once they try with the medicated water.
"Your Highness." Yu Gu didn't let go of her frown. "This medicine is not from Wei, but the other two dynasties [5]. However, even they would need permission from the government to purchase such a medicine. The identity of the person behind it, afraid…" Zhong Zheng Lin's face was stern, and his phoenix's eyes flashed coldly. Very good, dare to collude with the Two Dynasties. Zhong Zheng Lin never took the He Lian family seriously, but he still gave them face since they were the Consort's house. Yet being calculated by outsiders like this, Zhong Zheng Lin didn't think about anything except cleaning them off.
[5] 两朝 liǎng cháo/zhāo, lit. Two Dynasties. NorthBladeTL helped me out on this one: "朝 in this context refers to dynasty. Since the大魏 (Wei Dynasty) is being referred to, I presume the setting takes place in the Northern and Southern Dynasties period. 两朝 is "two dynasties", while 梁朝 is Liang Dynasty." This means the novel happens in the Period of the Northern and Southern Dynasties (386–581).
There has been no war between the Great Wei and the Two Dynasties for decades. On the surface, they each ruled the piece of land the river had divided them into, but secretly, they send spies to each other to find out about the military situation. The Two Dynasties were united externally, but internally they each have their own bangles and fight fiercely. If it weren't for the restraint of the other three parties, the Great Wei and the Two Dynasties would never live in peace as they were now.
He Lian Min Min was hearing such secrets, but she simply didn't care about the strong background of the person behind him, she just wanted to find the person who plotted her, cut them into pieces, and take revenge fiercely.
"Aunt, do I really can't…" Looking at Zhong Zheng Lin's back standing by the window, He Lian Min Min really couldn't accept this fate. She was reluctant to let go of this man who saved her from danger... At least, it would be nice to have his child.
Yu Gu frowned at her for a moment, pityed what happened to her, and finally told her the truth, "It's not impossible, but the pain would be unbearable."
He Lian Min Min seemed to be grasping at the last straw, her eyes brightened instantly, and she gazed at Yu Gu with a pleading look on his face.
"Princess Consort, this method is so insidious that it's almost against heaven. It would almost be an impossible feat to conceive a child, as it is so rare. I also ask the Consort to forgive me for the inconvenience but anyone who dares to share the prescription would violate the precepts of the ancestors and will be expelled from the teacher's school."
He Lian Min Min clenched her fists tightly. The hope that was suddenly ignited in her heart was unstoppable and was now firmly entrenched at the bottom of her heart. There was a way, there was really a way! As long as there was hope, even if Aunt Yu Gu was unwilling to tell, she could find out through other channels.
On the surface, she let it go without mentioning it, but at that moment, He Lian Min Min bore an obsession in her heart. The great surprised after her hope was brought back to life, and the fear that she had suppressed to the extreme, disappeared in the blink of an eye. Sure enough, there was no unparalleled road, and she, He Lian Min Min, should be able to secure the position of the Sixth Princess Consort. As long as she found a way to successfully give birth to a son for His Highness, no matter how many evil seeds other women give birth to, they will not be able to surpass the word di of her son!
After being abandoned by her family and betrayed by her servants, He Lian Min Min, who was almost driven to a dead end, now only focused on her children. This deep-rooted thought made her gradually transform, and she gradually overlapped with the dignified and ruthless woman she was in her previous life.
Wei Zhen left for less than two quarters of an hour, but when he returned, he was alone, and one could not see the maid that His Royal Highness had asked to see.
"Your Highness, Bi Lan left a letter and threw herself into the well half an hour ago. This subordinate could only found these things in her room, as it had been cleaned up already." He then took out three bottles of unmarked medicine powder from his sleeve pocket and placed them on the mahogany table.
He Lian Min Min suppressed her anger tightly, her chest heaving slightly.
"What is it?" His Highness the Sixth Prince was still calm and composed, he was not surprised that the person had disappeared. In his experience, this silent killing was the most common.
Yu Gu stepped forward to identify the powders one by one, and finally took out a small glass bottle containing light yellow medicinal powder. "It should be this thing. I only heard a little about it from my teacher, but I really saw it today. This medicine is called Niu Qi. It is the main medicine for treating black blindness and autumn rash but it has been specially treated. It has been soaked in bezoar and black gold, and now it has become a chronic poison."
Zhong Zheng Lin nodded. Black blind autumn rash was a unique disease in the inland areas of the Two Dynasties. The reason why Niu Qi only grew up in the Two Dynasties was because of the special hot and humid climate there. If he remembered correctly, the production of this drug was very small, there should be a limited supply. Being able to get Niu Qi and letting He Lian Min Min take medication for seven years every day, the amount added together would not be a small portion. This person seemed to have some influence in the Two Dynasties.
"Wei Zhen, go tell He Lian Zhang the truth about this matter." What to do next was the old fox problem.
"Princess Concort, please come with me. Your pulse needs to be covered up." Yu Gu brought a set of gold needles, a dozen medicine bottles of various colors, and even two aromatherapy burners. Just looking at the preparations, one knows that the next thing to do should be very complicated and take some effort.
Seeing Zhong Zheng Lin nodding, He Lian Min Min took Gui Li to the inner room. The pain of administering the medicine made her whole body go into convulsions, and she even grunted in pain.
Gui Li watched helplessly as her master suffered, her palms sweating coldly. From time to time, she thought of Bi Lan who threw herself into the well, and for some reason, she felt a kind of desolation as if the rabbit died and the fox was boiled.
An hour later, when He Lian Min Min came out again, her face was pale, and she was supported tremblingly by Gui Li, her lips were quivering to speak, "Your Highness." Her voice was so weak that Zhong Zheng Lin frowned.
"The medicine is a bit strong. The Consort should go back and have a good rest. After tonight, the pulse condition would no longer be abnormal." Yu Gu tidied up and explained.
Zhong Zheng Lin thanked her with a nod, helped He Lian Min Min into the car, and left through the side door of the alley.
As soon as the carriage turned the corner and turned onto the street, it was stopped by seven or eight small sedan chairs in front of it. A woman's laughter and more chatter disturbed Zhong Zheng Lin's tranquility through the carriage curtain.
"Ye Kai?" Putting down the medical books he got from Yu Gu, Zhong Zheng Lin tapped twice on the carriage. "What's going on ahead?"
Ye Kai lifted the curtain and only exposed half of his body, "Your Highness, the fourth princess is in front. She surrounded the carriage with performers to watch the fun."
"Tell them to leave." Zhong Zheng Lin ordered coldly, and then continue to read the books.
Relationship Diagram (by Sith Kazar)
Footnotes
[1] 周全一二 zhōuquán yīèr. Meaning to be considerate, thoughtful, help out in something.
[2] 莺声燕语瞬 Orioles and Swallows [yīng shēng yàn yǔ]. Baidu: "Yingsheng Yanyu, a Chinese idiom, which means the words of swallows and the singing of orioles; it originally described a good spring. Later, it mostly was used to describe the voice of a young woman talking and laughing. From Pond of the Golden Thread."
[3] 更漏 gēnglòu - water clock used to mark night watches. This is the Baidu page. Basically, the water slowly pushes an marked stick upwards to match the hours, Chinese measurements of hours. The photo of a iron green bucket is an example of how it looked, but there are more cute designs. Ally from Five Thousand Years channel explained this in her video How Ancient Chinese Kept Time Chinese Timekeeping System (2019), it starts at minute 3:04.
[4] 上首shàngshǒu - seat of honor / first place. Like the Boss chair. The person in charge and superior to others. The author frequently uses this expression to show who is in power in the situation at hand.
[5] 两朝 liǎng cháo/zhāo, lit. Two Dynasties. NorthBladeTL helped me out on this one: "朝 in this context refers to dynasty. Since the大魏 (Wei Dynasty) is being referred to, I presume the setting takes place in the Northern and Southern Dynasties period. 两朝 is "two dynasties", while 梁朝 is Liang Dynasty." I will investigate more, to see if I can add more info on this. This means the novel happens in the Period of the Northern and Southern Dynasties (386–581