Chapter 28: A Sour Taste

When it rains, it pours—troubles always come one after another. Gan Qiongying quickly changed her clothes and was still adjusting her hairpin as she hurried along the path, with Manyue following closely behind at a jog.

They were heading to the side courtyard where the Prince Consort was staying. Gan Qiongying moved swiftly but couldn’t help grumbling inwardly.

Prince Consort!

What’s wrong now?!

His triggers are just too easy to set off!

Could someone lend her a lightning rod?

Though she didn’t voice her thoughts aloud, someone seemed to have heard her silent plea and immediately spat out a few sarcastic remarks.

“A lowly merchant dares to make the Princess go to him—what arrogance!” Manyue was full of complaints, having been dissatisfied with the Prince Consort’s behavior for some time.

“It’s been over three months since the wedding, and only recently has the Princess shown him any face, yet look at him!” Seeing that the Princess didn’t stop her, Manyue continued, “Lately, he’s been getting more and more presumptuous.”

The following remarks grew increasingly harsh. Gan Qiongying’s face darkened. She wanted to tell Manyue to watch her words, as such talk would surely cause an uproar if overheard by the Prince Consort’s people.

But she couldn’t admonish her too earnestly. She had to maintain her persona. When dealing with men, she could occasionally break character without raising suspicion, as Duan Rong was known to be the type who “goes mad for love.”

But with her servants, she had to maintain the demeanor of a Princess.

So she furrowed her brows and glanced sideways, thinking of the warning appropriate for her status.

Seeing the sharp gaze directed at her, Manyue immediately fell silent, though she wasn’t sure which of her words had been inappropriate.

“Notify the entire household,” Gan Qiongying said calmly, even coldly, “From now on, the Prince Consort is truly the Prince Consort. Throughout the residence, aside from myself, everyone must treat him with the utmost respect.”

Manyue’s eyes widened in shock upon hearing this. Although Princess Duanrong had always been known for her eccentric behavior, she had never shown such regard for anyone before.

Even the numerous male consorts in the rear courtyard, though impressive in number, were merely kept for occasional entertainment. Despite rumors of her promiscuity, Princess Duanrong had never actually summoned any of them for intimate purposes. They were all housed in one courtyard, and she would only visit when in the mood, asking them to sing or perform to pass the time. In truth, they were little more than songbirds kept for occasional amusement.

Manyue knew well that the Princess’s heart belonged to another—a fact known to everyone in the Imperial City of Yindu. How could her feelings change overnight, shifting to the Prince Consort, who was merely of average appearance?

How could the Prince Consort… compare to the Jinchuan Zhizi, who was as handsome as a divine being?

But Manyue dared not defy her. “Yes,” she replied.

Gan Qiongying knew Manyue was utterly loyal to her and couldn’t bear to see her constantly trying to warm up to Lihua’s cold indifference. She wished she could make Manyue understand that a god of wealth should be revered.

Walking briskly, she couldn’t help but add another warning: “If such remarks are heard in the residence again, I will hold you responsible!”

She couldn’t think of any specific punishment, as she still didn’t know what penalty Manyue had received last time. But since this line was commonly used in novels and dramas, she borrowed it directly.

Manyue nodded repeatedly in agreement.

As they spoke, the mistress and servant arrived at the entrance of the courtyard where the Prince Consort was staying.

San Jiu, who was guarding the door, had initially been relieved that his master would finally not have to deal with the overbearing Princess today. However, in a moment of distraction, the master and servant duo hurriedly arrived and now stood before him. Yet, as a man, he ultimately couldn’t bring himself to block their way.

Fortunately, Tianjiao heard the commotion and noticed the aggressive demeanor of the newcomers. She immediately stepped forward to intervene, having prepared herself based on past failed attempts.

However, she was no match for Manyue’s strength. As she moved to block the way, she had already decided that if words failed, she would resort to physical force. But Manyue gave her no such opportunity.

“Ouch!”

The moment Tianjiao was sent flying into the air, she could hardly believe it. Thankfully, she steadied herself and managed to land on her feet.

She turned back in shock, only to realize that Manyue—a woman whose build was almost entirely different from hers—had knocked her a full two zhang away with just a bump of her hip!

Meanwhile, the instigator, Manyue, had already walked away, silently following behind the Princess with unhurried steps, as if nothing had just happened.

Tianjiao wanted to give chase, but it was already too late. Besides, this was still within the Princess Manor, and she dared not actually lay hands on Princess Duanrong. All she could do was stomp her feet in frustration.

Tianjiao glanced at her own arm, wondering if that older sister’s daily meals consisted entirely of strength-enhancing pills. Every time they clashed, she never came out on top.

This courtyard had originally been reserved for servants, but as it was too far from the Princess’s sleeping quarters and many rooms in the manor were left vacant, most of the servants had relocated elsewhere.

However, this courtyard wasn’t entirely unused. Guards on duty would occasionally come here for short breaks, though they never bothered to clean it thoroughly. As a result, dust could still be seen floating in the candlelight seeping through the doorway.

Manyue pushed the door open, her fingertips brushing against a damp surface—clearly, it had just been wiped.

At the sound of the door opening, Lihua instinctively looked up but quickly lowered his head again, ignoring Gan Qiongying’s friendly smile.

Why would she come?

Gan Qiongying, of course, had come to invite the God of Wealth back.

With a smile on her face, Gan Qiongying entered the room and took it all in at a glance. The room was clearly designed in the “bare walls and empty halls” style, with furnishings so sparse they could be counted on one hand. The only item on the table was a simple carved candleholder, and the tea set looked like it was from who-knows-what year. Lihua was sitting there, drinking tea.

She could feel a layer of dust beneath her feet. Lihua’s sudden decision had been too hasty, and clearly, his attendants hadn’t had time to clean the place thoroughly.

Was this room even fit for living?

After Gan Qiongying entered, Lihua remained seated at the table, showing no intention of getting up.

He had just washed up, and his dark, loose hair accentuated his usually gentle face, which now appeared frosty and cold.

Lihua hadn’t expected Gan Qiongying to come, nor could he understand why she would. She had more than just one male consort like the Little General Qu. Even if that man had contracted some terrible illness, she still had over a hundred and seventy others.

Lihua had assumed she would spend the night there.

His grip tightened around the teacup, his knuckles turning white from the force. Lihua’s back remained rigid, and he refused to look up until he heard Gan Qiongying’s question.

“This is where the servants live. Why did you come here?”

Gan Qiongying walked over to him and reached out to take his hand.

But the moment she touched him, he pulled away. She noticed Lihua furrow his brow slightly. Although his expression was hard to read, she definitely saw it.

Moreover, Gan Qiongying noticed dried bloodstains on Lihua’s palm. When had he gotten injured?

“How did this happen?” Gan Qiongying was genuinely concerned. Ignoring Lihua’s attempts to pull away, she firmly grasped his hand and spread his palm open, revealing the wound.

She glanced at the table—the cups and dishes were all intact. What sharp object could have caused this?

Lihua remained silent, discreetly observing her anxious expression. He couldn’t help but repeatedly compare her earlier urgency with her current demeanor, unaware that he was subconsciously pitting himself against a male consort.

He couldn’t suppress his curiosity: who was she more worried about?

Receiving no answer, Gan Qiongying looked at Lihua.

Lihua pursed his lips, but recalling her earlier frantic demeanor, he couldn’t contain his anger and blurted out a lie: “I tripped and fell.”

Gan Qiongying was puzzled—the courtyard was perfectly flat, and she hadn’t encountered any obstacles on her hurried walk over. How could he have tripped?

Before she could ponder further, Lihua spoke again, leaving her speechless.

“I’m disabled, as the Princess well knows,” Lihua finally looked up, meeting her gaze. “The thresholds of the Princess Manor are so high, beyond my reach. Isn’t it normal for me to fall?”

He was bringing up old grievances—Manyue had made a similar remark not long ago.

Gan Qiongying was left at a loss, torn between amusement and exasperation. Knowing she had to shoulder the blame, she swiftly changed the subject, adopting a haughty tone as she sharply ordered Manyue:

“What are you standing there for? Go fetch the mansion physician immediately to bandage the Consort’s wound.”

As Manyue was about to leave on her command, Lihua spoke again, startling both mistress and maid.

“Why not summon an Imperial Physician?” Lihua suddenly asked.

That General Qu could warrant an Imperial Physician, yet for him, only a mansion physician was called. It seemed that Little General Qu still held greater favor in her heart.

Gan Qiongying smiled faintly. After a brief pause, she glanced at the small cut on the Consort’s palm, which had already stopped bleeding and was nearly healed, and inexplicably caught a whiff of thick jealousy.

Finding it rather astonishing, she immediately understood the implication and ordered, “Manyue, go summon an Imperial Physician.”

She deliberately emphasized the words “Imperial Physician.”

Turning away, she nearly failed to suppress a laugh. The Imperial Physician had better hurry—any later, and that cut would have healed on its own.

Lihua had spoken without thinking. Seeing Gan Qiongying actually order someone to fetch an Imperial Physician, he immediately felt uneasy all over.

He withdrew his hand into his sleeve and lowered his head again, watching the candle flame flicker erratically before him—much like his own unsettled emotions.

Realizing his loss of control, he suddenly stood up and said, “It’s getting late. The Princess still has matters to attend to. Please retire early.”

He was effectively dismissing her. Seeing Gan Qiongying remain unmoved, he actually reached out to pull her, gripping her arm and leading her toward the door, his expression cold and stern.

“This place is filthy and inconvenient,” Lihua said stiffly, avoiding her gaze. “I must ask the Princess to return to the Main Courtyard.”

How could she be driven away again so soon after arriving!

Gan Qiongying was caught off guard as she was pushed toward the door. Was this the first time she realized Lihua possessed such strength?

On the verge of being shoved out, she quickly clung to the doorframe with both hands and feet. “I’m not leaving! I’ll wait here with you for the Imperial Physician!”

The two stood in a stalemate at the doorway. Inside the room, the candlelight was dim. Lihua stood against the light, his profile shrouded in shadow. To Gan Qiongying’s slight alarm, Lihua at this moment seemed to exude a faint, sinister aura.

Fortunately, he didn’t push her away again. Gan Qiongying clung to the door and said softly, “I always intended to deal with the people in the rear courtyard. It was my foolishness back then, and I was just acting out of spite against the emperor, which is why I gathered so many there.”

Seizing the opportunity, Gan Qiongying took hold of Lihua’s hand hanging by his side, while her foot remained cautiously hooked on the door. She was holding the hand he had injured, her tone gentle and coaxing. “As for the matter of Little General Qu, why don’t you handle it from now on?”

Lihua was taken aback, the tension on his face easing slightly.

“Those people in the rear courtyard aren’t worth your displeasure. I was already planning to dismiss them anyway, so you might as well deal with them as you see fit.”

Gan Qiongying decided to take this chance to pass the heavy burden to Lihua. After all, dismissing people costs money, doesn’t it? With over a hundred people, how much would it cost to settle them?

Gan Qiongying was counting on Lihua to survive—she certainly didn’t have that kind of money!

The Princess Manor had over four thousand people in total, all mouths to feed. She was practically destitute!

Moreover, handing these people over to Lihua to deal with would both please him and put her mind at ease.

Lihua had shown such respect to an elderly man; he wouldn’t be too harsh on these people either. He would surely provide them with better prospects than Gan Qiongying ever could.

Lihua’s expression shifted from surprise to confusion. Then, his gaze fixed on Gan Qiongying, and upon closer inspection, it seemed almost aggressive.

He wanted to say something, to accuse her: if she had no feelings or love for them, why had she wasted and confined so many people?

Yet, upon learning how heartlessly she had treated those male consorts, a secret, self-disgusting sense of joy welled up inside him.

Thus, though he opened his mouth several times, not a single word escaped.