Chapter 470 “Grafting”

Chapter 470 "Artful Substitution"

Cao Niangzi, having been carefully groomed for over a decade by her family to become a high-status household mistress, thrived working under Bei Hua after her arrival.

Though her methods were still somewhat inexperienced, with a bit more practice, she would undoubtedly become a capable manager.

Bei Hua wasn’t ready to hand over the core responsibilities yet, but at least the trivial tasks were now delegated and managed.

Cao Niangzi, like she'd struck gold, whispered to Bei Hua, "Honestly, managing a household for a husband can't hold a candle to managing one for the Crown Prince."

"At the Eastern Palace, handling these duties at least comes with an official title—pay and rank included."

"And it’s just straight-up managing—no need to bear children, teach them, or raise them."

Bei Hua gave her a thumbs-up. This young lady really gets it.

She felt that in her bones.

"Before women could enter officialdom, these roles were all held by men. They’d manage the Crown Prince’s household, then go home and marry a wife to manage theirs."

"Now that's some layered exploitation."

The two exchanged a glance, reaching a consensus: working was truly joyous.

With so many shared topics, Cao Niangzi quickly built rapport with everyone around her, walking on air every day.

Before, she had feared reprimand, bottling up her thoughts until she grew increasingly silent—almost ready to die.

She still remembered how stifling life at home had been, making her wish she could leave this beautiful world at any moment.

People often said kindred spirits were hard to find, but now she was surrounded by them. This was her payoff after all that suffering.

......

Recently, with little to occupy her, Bei Jingchu took the time to strengthen bonds with her subordinates, engaging in social interactions she’d previously lacked time for.

Today, she had a brief chat with Guo Yang. When they first met at the Hongwen Pavilion, she’d thought him a useless trophy husband and had disliked him intensely.

Later, after she'd been proven dead wrong, he became one of her loyal followers—remarkably obedient.

After a few drinks, Guo Yang was already tipsy.

No wonder drinking culture was so effective. Normally bound by etiquette and restraint, the alcohol got people talking, making them bold enough to voice thoughts they’d never dare speak sober.

Turned wallflowers into loudmouths.

A few drinks later, distance naturally shrank.

Add to that Bei Jingchu’s way with words, and within a couple of talks, she could have people pouring their hearts out to her, utterly devoted.

She was practically someone who could sell ice to Eskimos.

Bei Jingchu had his wine swapped out for water.

No need to overdo it—she wasn’t here to pressure him into drinking.

The young official, who half an hour ago had been stiff as a board, now wore a look of regret.

"I just don’t get it. That King of Qin is just a brat—in both scholarship and martial skill, he doesn’t even come close."

"What gives him the right to compete with you?" "Is it just because he’s got an extra dick?"

Bei Jingchu: !?

Bei Jingchu choked on her own saliva and coughed repeatedly.

She knew the words were crude but the reasoning wasn't, yet this was just too crude.

She gave him a weird look—Dude, does your family know this is how you talk in private?

Where's that refined, handsome gentleman you're supposed to be?

Before, he was just sarcastic, but now...

I can't even... just can't...

Guo Yang, red-eyed and completely drunk, said resentfully: "If only there were some miracle-working surgeon, I'd cut off the King of Qin's junk and sew it onto you!"

Bei Jingchu was speechless...

"Seriously, no need."

Besides, she didn’t want it anyway.

Guo Yang, oblivious to Bei Jingchu's stunned silence, enthusiastically shared his amputation scheme with her, leaving Bei Jingchu on the verge of despair.