Chapter 34

Chapter 34

Xie Jiang remained silent for a moment. "It's nothing serious."

In fact, the excuse the Song family used at the time was that the Xie family sold their daughter for social gain, sending her into the prince's mansion as a concubine, which shamed the name of a scholarly family. The Song family refused to have any further dealings with them.

This excuse was extremely disgusting, yet it was quite convincing.

Because the Xie family had indeed sold their daughter for social gain.

And the Song family had always prided themselves on being a scholarly and pure family, so they would certainly not be willing to marry a woman whose younger sister was a concubine.

Even if that concubine was Prince Jing's concubine.

But the Song family exploited the situation and stepped on the Xie family to elevate their own reputation, which was even more sickening.

Xie Jiang didn't tell Xie Run about this because she felt that it was the Xie family and the Song family that were disgusting, and it had nothing to do with Xie Run.

She was also afraid that Xie Run, with her fierce pride, would feel hurt if she heard it.

There was no choice; the original version of Xie Run had this personality, otherwise she wouldn't have hanged herself in grief and indignation.

"In your recent letter home, you mentioned the matter of Yuli."

After chatting for a while, they finally got to the main topic.

Xie Run didn't hide anything. "The back courtyard of the prince's mansion is not peaceful. Yuli is too petty and is not cut out for scheming in the harem. But she is very loyal to me, so I thought of having my family choose a good marriage for her."

After saying this, she subtly mentioned Yuli's neighborhood crush.

Upon hearing Xie Run's words, Xie Jiang went back with Yuli.

As for Linxuan Pavilion, the head maids now were Dan Tao and Xiaoshu, but there were no second-tier maids, only maids-of-all-work and old nannies.

Xie Run followed Xiaoshu's advice, ran an evaluation, and moved two new girls up.

One was renamed Lu Zhi, and the other was renamed Hong Xi.

Xiaoshu joked, asking Xie Run to rename her.

"Their names are pretty and include colors, but I'm the only one left out."

The newly arrived Hong Xi was the youngest but the most clever.

She smiled, showing her small tiger-like canine teeth.

"See, Sister Xiaoshu is the only one with special treatment. Unlike me and Sister Lu Zhi, the other day when we went to fetch the food, we got mistaken for Lady Han's maids."

Shiqie Han's courtyard had two maids, one with the character 'Lu' (green) and the other with the character 'Hong' (red) in their names.

Since they were unfamiliar faces, it was inevitable they were mistaken.

Xiaoshu was amused by her words and poked her forehead with her finger. "You're the only one who talks like that. You have a honeyed tongue."

Xie Run watched the maids fool around and, amused, joined in the laughter.

Finally, her Linxuan Pavilion's defenses were watertight.

Just as everyone was looking forward to Prince Jing's return to the capital, news suddenly came.

It was said that during this disaster relief mission, the daughter of Jiang Bin, the prefect of Mizhou, had made a huge contribution and came to the capital with Prince Jing.

Once this news spread, it carried a suggestive vibe.

When Xie Run went to pay her respects in the morning, she heard Shufei Yun speaking softly, "Looks like we'll be getting another sister soon."

Fang Yuan'er let out a light laugh, dripping with sarcasm. "I doubt she'll just be a sister."

"The daughter of the prefect of Mizhou, who also contributed to the disaster relief, will probably become Ce Fei, right?"

Upon hearing this, Shufei Yun's smile turned a bit wan.

She nearly killed herself to get the rank of Shufei, yet others can easily become a Ce Fei and outrank her.

Who could be convinced?

Probably because she had experienced many things, Fang Yuan'er was not surprised at all by this Jiang Baobao who came out of nowhere to replace Wan Linlang.

After all, Xie Run, who was supposed to hang herself on the second day after entering the mansion, was now living well as a Shufei and even pregnant.

Only people who haven't seen much get shocked.

Seeing more, one naturally becomes calm.

Xie Run played obediently beside them, only listening and not speaking.

The princess, seated at the head of the table, said coolly, "I'm afraid it might be more than one."

Shufei Yun's teacup shook, and she asked in surprise, "Th-this? Another new sister?"

Prince Jing isn't a womanizer.

Bringing back two women from a work trip is totally out of character for him.

Only then did the princess mention the existence of Wan Linlang.

"She is said to be a female doctor who offered a cure for the plague and made no small contribution. She admired the prince and asked to be his concubine."

To be honest, Wan Linlang is the only one actually joining the household.

That Miss Jiang hasn't even arrived on the scene yet.

Since she was only a shiqie, Shufei Yun completely disregarded Wan Linlang.

Fang Yuan'er and Xie Run kept quiet, and the princess sure wasn't going to bring it up.

After paying respects ended, Fang Yuan'er returned to Xiachi Courtyard and burst out laughing.

"Look how the mighty have fallen!"

"Someone, bring me wine! Your Shufei is in a great mood today and must down a few drinks!"

In her past life, Wan Linlang had come into the mansion straight as a Shufei.

Wearing the label of Prince Jing's savior, Wan Linlang hogged his favors for a whole month, and for a time, she was the most talked-about woman.

The original Fang Yuan'er was screwed over by her for years.

Therefore, since Fang Yuan'er traveled into this story, she had been on guard against this ruthless enemy.

Like a sword dangling over her neck, she could never feel at ease.

Who would have thought that before she could even make a move, Wan Linlang walked herself into a dead end.

Now Fang Yuaner is a Shu Fei, while Wan Linlang is merely a Shiqie.

If Fang Yuaner wants to deal with Wan Linlang, it couldn't be easier.

With Wan Linlang's ambition, her first goal upon entering the residence will likely be to rise to the rank of Shu Fei.

Then she'll help prop up Han Shi or Li Shi to block Wan Linlang's chances of promotion!

Thinking this way, Fang Yuaner somehow looks forward to Wan Linlang's entry into the residence.

The attendants don't understand why but still follow orders and bring the wine.

Fang Yuaner thinks for a moment and then suddenly says, "Also, send a jug of wine to Linxuan Pavilion."

Her heart is light and cheerful, and she particularly wants someone to share the joy.

In this prince's manor, the only one Fang Yuaner can truly relax and have fun with is Xie Run.

The people around her advise, "My Lady, Shu Fei Xie is pregnant now—how can she drink wine?"

"If you send something like this, and it's used as a pretext against you, there'll be no shortage of trouble."

Fang Yuaner doesn't care and insists on sending it.

It's rare for her to be so careless, but she acts on a whim, "Just go and deliver it."

When Xie Run receives the wine, she is initially confused.

Just as she's about to decline, she suddenly understands.

She smiles and says, "Since it's Sister Fang's goodwill, I won't refuse."

With that, she signals Dan Tao to take the wine.

She also gives some silver to send the serving maid away.

Dan Tao holds the wine, unsure what to do, "Mistress, where should I put this wine away?"

"Put it away. I'll drink it later."

Returning from the Princess's Qingsong Courtyard, Fang Yuaner sends her the wine almost immediately.

Xie Run vaguely guesses it has something to do with the third woman, Wan Linlang.

Like Fang Yuaner, she too has been wary of Wan Linlang's appearance.

When she suddenly hears that Wan Linlang offered a prescription for the plague and begged for the position of shiqie as a reward, Xie Run is taken aback for a moment.

This is completely different from the original novel's plot.

But Xie Run quickly accepts it, feeling a hint of secret joy.

Wan Linlang was able to stir up so much trouble in the prince's manor's inner quarters for two main reasons: first, Prince Jing's favor; second, her position as Shu Fei.

Prince Jing's favor stemmed from her life-saving deed in a past life.

Since the Princess never mentioned this in this life, it seems that favor is gone.

And her Shu Fei position is even more unlikely.

Without these two advantages, the damage Wan Linlang can cause is limited in scope.

Now Xie Run is worried about whether Wan Linlang can withstand Fang Yuaner's "revenge."

The next day, Prince Jing returns to the residence and stays in the main courtyard.

Prince Jing has always treated the Princess with respect, and that's the custom.

The next day, Prince Jing goes to court early.

All the women in the manor's inner quarters are wondering: where the Prince would spend his first night back?

But who would have guessed that the Prince would bring back a Ce Fei (secondary consort)!

Decreed directly by the Emperor.

Jiang Baobao, daughter of the prefect of Mizhou, for her contributions in disaster relief, is specially bestowed upon Prince Jing as a Ce Fei!

The news spreads like wildfire through every corner of the manor's inner quarters.

Everyone is caught off guard by this news.

Even the Princess only hears of it when Prince Jing returns from court.

The Princess helps Prince Jing change clothes, a faint smile on her face, "Congratulations, Your Highness, on acquiring another beauty."

Prince Jing shows no joy on his face, appearing extremely indifferent, "She was bestowed by the Emperor. Just handle the arrangements according to protocol."

This is his way of signaling to the Princess that he will show no special favor to the new Ce Fei.

The Princess can also tell that Prince Jing is not very pleased with this new Ce Fei.

After a moment of thought, the Princess asks, "The newly arrived Shiqie Wan has been accommodated. As for Han Shi and Li Shi, bestowed by the Consort Dowager, when will Your Highness call on them?"

"No rush."

Prince Jing still shows little interest.

Instead, he asks about the situation in the manor, "How are the pregnant women doing?"

"They have all stabilized," the Princess says with a smile. "Speaking of which, I have good news for Your Highness."

Prince Jing raises his eyes.

The Princess: "A few days ago, the manor physician took her pulse and said that An Shi's current pregnancy might be carrying twins."

Prince Jing finally shows a hint of a smile, "She is a calm and gentle person. I'll have to trouble the Princess to take good care of her."

Actually, Xie Run misunderstood. The Princess looks after An Shi not out of kindness, but because Prince Jing specifically requested it.

Prince Jing is not a heartless man. The women who bear his children, unless they commit major mistakes, he always protects them.

The Princess says with a smile, "Because she is indeed calm and gentle, I have kept the news quiet. It can be announced after she delivers the twins safely."

Prince Jing praised, "The princess handled this properly."

After leaving Qingsong Courtyard, he rewarded the princess with many fine gifts.

Wan Linlang entered the residence together with Prince Jing.

Because it was already dark when Prince Jing rushed back to the mansion, and he was exhausted from the journey, the formalities were skipped.

The princess had her settle directly into the courtyard that had been prepared earlier, and she didn't even accept the tea ceremony offered by the new concubine.

Because of this, Wan Linlang felt that the princess had it out for her.

In her previous life, she had entered the mansion in grand style, and even the princess had to show her a certain deference.

In this life, when she entered the mansion, the princess didn't even accept her tea!

She may not have necessarily wanted to serve tea to the princess, but the fact that the princess didn't arrange for her to serve tea carried a different meaning.

Wasn't this telling the household that the princess looked down on her?

Wan Linlang held a grudge against the princess.

On the other side, Fang Yuaner, Shufei Yun, and Lady Han were all eagerly hoping that the prince would come to their courtyards tonight.

Xie Run, who never tried to stand out, naturally had no expectations for Prince Jing's visit.

A few days ago, someone from the prince's estate had offered a few baskets of pomelos (youzi) as a tribute, and the princess had sent one basket to Xie Run.

Xie Run didn't like sour things, and her taste hadn't changed much during pregnancy, but she had recently taken a liking to the sweet-and-sour flavor of pomelos.

Not only did she eat the pomelos, but she also had the small kitchen staff to experiment with cooking dishes using pomelos.

The small kitchen was thrilled to oblige, hoping for a reward.

Every day, they came up with something new.

Xie Run wasn't satisfied with just eating them; she saved the peels, piled them in a corner, and roasted them over a fire, filling the room with a refreshing pomelo fragrance.

Xiaoshu had just returned from fetching the meal, still talking about the newly arrived Concubine Wan. "I heard that when Concubine Wan entered the mansion that day, it was too late, and the princess sent her directly to Xiuyue Pavilion without even drinking tea."

Dan Tao said, "It was late when the prince returned that day, and the schedule was hurried. It's only natural that he couldn't attend to Lady Wan."

Xie Run couldn't help asking, "No tea ceremony... Did Concubine Wan have any reaction?"

Xiaoshu asked curiously, "What reaction could she have? This matter was decided by the prince and princess. Could she say no?"

"True. After all, she has always been generous and magnanimous."

After saying this, Xie Run suddenly chuckled to herself.

She remembered something.

In her previous life, Wan Linlang had cultivated a persona of virtuousness and dignity.

By all rights, virtuousness and dignity were what a princess should embody, not something a concubine could claim.

But she insisted on doing so, precisely to compete with the princess.

Because she had entered the mansion as a Shufei and was quite favored by Prince Jing, she naturally had the capital to challenge the princess in her previous life.

But this life was completely different.

Xie Run wondered if Wan Linlang was still planning to walk the path of virtuousness and dignity.

From what Xie Run knew, Prince Jing was not fond of that type.

Dan Tao and Xiaoshu looked confused at her words.

When had their mistress ever known that Lady Wan?

Xie Run casually changed the subject: "It was hot for several months, and now, only a short while into winter, we've started burning charcoal. The weather this year is really strange."

She fiddled with the pomelo peels roasting beside the charcoal brazier.

Dan Tao couldn't help saying, "Mistress, please stay away from the charcoal fire, lest you get burned."

Xie Run stepped back, supporting her slightly protruding belly.

Xiaoshu came forward with tea and said softly, "Speaking of charcoal fires, I heard that Shufei Yun's side has already started burning several braziers."

In Linxuan Pavilion, only one brazier was lit, just enough to dispel the chill.

Xie Run mused, "She's probably still weak from the miscarriage."

"That's what I heard," said Xiaoshu. "But she'll need to burn charcoal until the second or third month of next year. At this rate, her allowance alone might not cover it."

Xie Run said, "That shouldn't be an issue. She has two dependents, so it should be enough."

Princess Ruyi lives with Shufei Yun, so naturally, the princess's allowance is also at Shufei Yun's disposal.

Around dinner time, news came from Qingsong Courtyard that the prince had once again spent the night in the main courtyard.

Some were happy, others were sad.

Xie Run continued eating her pomelos, waiting to see what drama would unfold.

Meanwhile, Fang Yuaner had dressed exquisitely and seductively, waiting for Prince Jing to show up.

But instead, she heard that the prince had settled in at Qingsong Courtyard.

Fang Yuaner wasn't angry. She cradled her growing belly and smiled, her red lips curving.

"Bring two people with me. We're going to pay a visit to Xiuyue Pavilion."

Qiu Xiang was taken aback. "Xiuyue Pavilion?"

"Yes." Fang Yuaner's smile deepened. "I heard that the new Concubine Wan didn't even pour tea for the princess. I ought to go and offer her some 'comfort.'"

Maybe because of the storyline, Fang Yuaner herself thoroughly disliked Wan Linlang.

This dislike had become a simmering resentment that bubbled up whenever she thought of her.

Now that Fang Yuaner was a Shufei and Wan Linlang a Concubine Wan, why should she hold back this anger?

Soon, Fang Yuaner arrived at Xiuyue Pavilion with a crowd of attendants.

Wan Linlang had just entered the mansion and hadn't yet gained the loyalty of her servants.

When the new maid saw Fang Yuaner coming with a whole crowd, she was too scared to even speak.

She just opened the door and let her straight into the main room.

Wan Linlang was having her meal. At the sight of Fang Yuaner, the hairs on her neck stood up.

Not out of fear, but out of pure rage!