Chapter 19

Chapter 19

Prince Jing currently has only one son, the eldest young master, and Shufei Ning dreams day and night of him becoming the heir to the prince's estate.

Fang Yuan'er learned that ever since the eldest young master began his education, Shufei Ning had been sending substantial sums of money to the Ning family, likely hoping to bolster her natal family's support for the young master's bid to become the heir.

As a result, the silver in Shufei Ning's hands was surely running short.

If a profitable formula emerged at this time, Shufei Ning would undoubtedly be tempted.

And once Shufei Ning was tempted, she could not escape Fang Yuan'er's scheme.

Fang Yuan'er lifted her head and asked, "What was the reaction at Linxuan Pavilion?"

Qiu Xiang replied, "They sent someone specifically to warn you to be careful of those around you, fearing that the news might have been leaked from your side."

Fang Yuan'er shook her head. "I overestimated Xie Run. Turns out she's just a sweet and naive fool. She actually believes her own camp is secure."

Originally, Fang Yuan'er had planned to secretly leak the news of the formula to Shufei Ning's side, but unexpectedly, after one visit to Linxuan Pavilion, the news had spread all over the compound.

She had only told Qiu Xiang on her side; no one else could possibly know.

That meant it could only be a problem with someone under Xie Run's command.

Fang Yuan'er initially didn't intend to inform Xie Run, but just then, a young maid from the corridor relayed a message: "My lady, Lady Xie's side has sent a maid with tonics, all for replenishing blood and Qi."

After her miscarriage, Fang Yuan'er needed a large amount of medicinal herbs to nourish her blood and recover her body. However, Shufei Ning secretly manipulated the supply chain, deliberately withholding the herbs.

Confined to the back courtyard, Fang Yuan'er had plenty of silver but couldn't purchase the necessary herbs.

It was only after Xie Run sent medicine several times that her pressing need was alleviated.

"This Xie Run... she's really too innocent."

Fang Yuan'er let out a soft laugh, then abruptly changed her tune. "Qiu Xiang, go to Linxuan Pavilion and drop a hint that the news didn't come from our side."

Qiu Xiang was a bit surprised but still agreed. She had assumed her mistress wouldn't bother warning Lady Xie.

After receiving the message, Xie Run grew quiet for a long time.

She believed Fang Yuan'er wouldn't deceive her, mainly because there was no need. Fang Yuan'er was quite proud and secretly looked down on Xie Run's naive, sweet, old-fashioned character. Even though Xie Run put on a friendly demeanor during their conversations, she could still catch the occasional flash of exasperation and disdain in Fang Yuan'er's eyes.

Of course, Xie Run inwardly rejoiced.

The fact that Fang Yuan'er was so certain that the leak came from Xie Run's side clearly indicated one thing: she had a plan regarding the soap formula news.

Thinking this, Xie Run couldn't help but sit up straight, her spirits lifting.

Could it be that Fang Yuan'er was about to set someone up?

If so, was it the princess consort or... Shufei Ning?

After pondering for a long while, Xie Run had someone summon Yueya'er.

Having stayed at Linxuan Pavilion for some time, Yueya'er had visibly grown taller and healthier, her demeanor much more at ease, especially with her strikingly bright eyes.

Yueya'er stood obediently to the side. "My lady, what do you need from your servant?"

Xie Run asked softly, "Yesterday, when you and your sister Yuli went to the main kitchen to collect the meals, did you encounter anyone on the way? And what was said?"

Yueya'er spoke clearly, "Your servant and Sister Yuli met Sister Luoshuang at the kitchen entrance. We first exchanged pleasantries..."

Yueya'er managed to recall the entire scene and every word that was said.

Xie Run was surprised. "I didn't know you had such a skill."

But after listening to Yueya'er's account, Xie Run indeed found no anomalies. It seemed the news didn't leak through Yuli or Yueya'er.

That left only Xiaoshu, Xiao Ci, and Old Lady Ma.

Xie Run said to Yueya'er, "Yueya'er, I want to entrust you with a task."

Yueya'er blinked, a hint of restrained excitement in her eyes.

"I would do anything for you, my lady."

"Don't keep talking about dying; it's unlucky." Xie Run simply said, "You share a room with Old Lady Ma. If you have time, keep an eye on her and see if she acts unusually. If not, there's no need to report. But if there is something, you know what to do."

Yueya'er nodded. "Your servant understands. Sister Dan Tao had also reminded me of this before."

"Good. It's fine to follow your two sisters' guidance."

Not long after, Prince Jing arrived.

Xie Run welcomed him with a beaming smile.

When Prince Jing helped her rise, she pulled out an embroidered pouch. "Your Highness, I've finished embroidering the pouch..."

Prince Jing raised an eyebrow and reached out to take it, but Xie Run dodged.

With a charming smile and lively eyes, Xie Run said, "Your Highness, you can't keep saying my embroidery is bad, or I won't give you this pouch."

Prince Jing said calmly, "Alright, I won't criticize."

Xie Run innocently handed the pouch to Prince Jing.

Prince Jing took it, glanced at it, clicked his tongue, and said nothing more.

Xie Run: "..."

It would have been better if he had just complained outright.

During the meal, Prince Jing noticed Xie Run staring at him in a sulky manner and asked, knowing full well, "Is Suisui feeling unwell today?"

Suddenly called by her childhood name, Xie Run was utterly shocked.

"Your Highness... how, how do you know my pet name?" Xie Run's cheeks flushed red, like fine rouge on white jade.

Prince Jing chuckled. "Didn't you mention it last time?"

Last time?

Xie Run tried to think back. When she was with Prince Jing, she was always very cautious in what she said.

The only times she wasn't careful... were probably in bed.

Xie Run’s face turned even redder.

So it's no wonder her memory was bad.

She quickly changed the subject: "Your Highness, eat up. It won't taste good cold!"

Prince Jing nodded seriously.

In the evening, his hot breath fell on Xie Run’s neck, and his voice was deep and gravelly: "What were you thinking about during dinner that made your face so red?"

Xie Run said stubbornly: "I wasn't thinking about anything."

"Really?" Prince Jing's hoarse voice was dripping with seduction.

Only a single candle was still burning past the curtain. The orange light fell on his chiseled features, giving them an alluring glow.

Xie Run’s eyes were glued to him.

Maybe his good looks gave her guts. She actually raised her hand to wrap around Prince Jing's neck and whispered something in his ear.

After hearing her, Prince Jing got even more intense.

After being fully satisfied, Prince Jing stroked her hair with his large palm and said: "I'm afraid I'll have to act cold toward you for a while. Stay put in Linxuan Pavilion and don't go wandering off."

Xie Run was curious, but she didn't press the issue.

She was secretly astonished.

Could it be that Prince Jing... actually took her words from that day to heart?

He actually meant to protect her with that.