Chapter 021: Don’t You Love Me the Most?
Early morning, Shangyue Garden.
Last night’s springtime passion burned brightly, the soft young lady and tender arms bringing a different kind of vitality that transferred to Zhou Ziheng, sweeping away the chronic ailments deep in his bones.
When Zhou Ziheng rose in the morning, he felt refreshed and invigorated, vaguely feeling as if he had returned to the day of his wedding night.
The little maid who had served Zhou Ziheng last night also rose early, kneeling on the floor to help the Marquis dress.
The spacious, bright room was filled with morning light, birds chirping outside the window, flower shadows swaying. In the corner of the room, the ice vat still held its last trace of coolness, soothing the hot morning. Occasionally, a refreshing breeze blew through, bringing a particularly pleasant sensation when it touched the skin.
On this beautiful morning, the Marquis’s gaze fell upon the little maid, faintly recalling the delightful taste of the previous night.
The little maid wore only a dudou on her upper body, revealing fair, tender shoulders and half of her delicate chest. On her lower half, she wore a light green xieku. Amidst the interplay of red and green, her skin was as white as crisp lotus root. Her dark hair cascaded down her back. As she knelt on the floor, she lifted her chin, speaking to Zhou Ziheng in a coquettish tone: “Marquis—this servant has served you. Please cherish me, give me a status. Otherwise, when I return, I will surely be bullied.”
She had shared the Marquis’s bed—this matter could not be hidden. The maids serving outside must all know, and who knows what they are saying about her behind her back.
All the maids in this mansion want to become mistresses, and they all want to climb into this bed. Others haven’t succeeded, but she has. If she doesn’t gain a status, doesn’t receive the master’s affection, then her climb would have been in vain. Not only would it be in vain, but she would certainly be mocked and bullied by others. The head matrons would also think she has improper intentions and would try every means to drive her out.
In the inner quarters, once a woman becomes someone’s bedmate, if she doesn’t rise, she can only be crushed. And all she can rely on is her beauty and a little bit of this man’s conscience.
The maids in this mansion are all the master’s possessions; their deeds of sale are held in the master’s hands. If the master elevates you, he gives you a status; if he doesn’t, he uses you and discards you. These little maids have no recourse.
For those at the bottom who want to climb up, they must first discard their worthless dignity. Whether they can reclaim it later depends on their own abilities.
Zhou Ziheng lowered his gaze, frowning as he looked at her, seemingly weighing his options.
The little maid lifted her charming, round face, looking at him with pitiful pleading, hoping to use her beauty to increase her bargaining power.
She wasn’t exceptionally stunning, but her youth was her advantage—fresh and tender like a budding flower leaning against him. Unlike Qin Chanyue, whose imposing presence made him feel overshadowed, and unlike Concubine Fang, who was always caught up in love and would act out at the slightest dissatisfaction. This little maid was gentle and respectful, sensible and well-mannered. Kneeling on the floor, she was particularly pleasing.
However, if he were to take her as a concubine—would Qin Chanyue agree?
When driven by lust and wanting this maid, he hadn’t cared about Qin Chanyue. But now that the maid was asking for a status, he suddenly began to care about Qin Chanyue.
Just as Zhou Ziheng was hesitating, hurried footsteps suddenly sounded from outside the door.
The footsteps came fast and urgent. When they sounded from outside the corridor eaves, the maids in the outer room seemed to have tried to block them for a moment but failed to stop them. The footsteps outside the door rushed fiercely to the entrance of the inner chamber and, with a “bang,” crashed open the door.
Both people inside the room were startled. The little maid let out a gasp and, kneeling, shuffled on her knees to hide behind Zhou Ziheng’s legs, clutching them to shield her body.
As Zhou Ziheng turned his head, he saw Concubine Fang charging in through the door, her eyes bloodshot.
It was just after dawn, with the sky bright and clear. Concubine Fang, still wearing the same dirty clothes from the day before, crashed through a beaded curtain and stumbled inside.
Amid the clattering of the beads, Concubine Fang caught sight of the little maid hiding behind Zhou Ziheng, her clothes in disarray.
The chamber was spacious, filled with bright sunlight. Incense filled the room with the faint scent of ambergris. A beam of light streamed in through the window, casting four square shadows on the wooden floor. The light and shadows reflected onto a jade screen, shimmering like flowing light. On such a peaceful morning, behind this refined man, hid a young girl wearing only a dudou.
Only a dudou.
Looking further up, her fair, delicate neck bore a reddish mark, making it clear at a glance what they had done the night before.
Concubine Fang stood dazed in place for three breaths before suddenly erupting into a scream.
“Zhou Ziheng—how could you find another woman? Zhou Wenshan is still lying in bed. Instead of thinking of ways to save him, finding a doctor, or avenging him, you’re here with another woman!”
How could Concubine Fang not be heartbroken? Their own son was still lying in bed, wailing in agony, unwilling to live because he could never stand again—who could accept being a cripple for life?
Zhou Wenshan couldn’t accept it. He had fallen from the peak of his life, tumbling into the mud. He was no longer the Shizi but a cripple. Because of this, Zhou Wenshan had attempted suicide several times, refusing to take his medicine.
Concubine Fang could only stay by his side, holding him and weeping bitterly night after night, searching everywhere for folk remedies to save her son.
How could she not know these remedies were useless? What Zhou Ziheng understood, she naturally understood as well. But she refused to believe it! She would rather be the one lying crippled in bed! If the gods wanted to torment someone, let them torment her, not her son!
Enduring such agony, she naturally assumed Zhou Ziheng was suffering just as she was. Yet, when she turned around, she found him sleeping with another woman!
How could she not hate him?
“You keep saying you love me, that you love our son—is this how you show it?” Concubine Fang screamed through her tears, losing all reason as she lunged forward like a madwoman!
Her frenzy was like that of a rabid dog! Zhou Ziheng had never seen such a scene before and, in his panic, hurriedly dodged to the side.
As he moved aside, he exposed the little maid behind him.
The little maid was also terrified. She wanted to hide, but kneeling on the floor, she couldn’t muster the strength to move away quickly.
Seeing her, Concubine Fang felt even more hatred.
“You shameless little wretch!” She lunged forward, viciously slapping the maid twice, then grabbed her hair and dragged her out, shouting as she went, “How dare you seduce a man at such a young age! Disgusting, vile! You’re asking for death!”
The Little Maid was beaten until she rolled all over the floor, her dudou torn off, screaming nakedly, “Marquis! Marquis! Save this servant!”
Zhou Ziheng retreated two steps, shocked and furious, scolding, “Fang Qingqing! What are you doing? Have you gone mad?”
Fang Qingqing carried a bellyful of anger and resentment. These emotions tangled and rotted within her body, with no one to comfort or console her. The husband she relied on most had gone off to enjoy himself with another woman, leaving her alone in this desperate situation, slowly rotting away. How could she remain rational?
“Me, gone mad? It’s you who’s mad! Didn’t you say you loved me most? Didn’t you promise to make me your official wife? Back when I was pregnant, you held me and said this was your child! You said Zhou Wenshan was your only child, you said you loved me, you said if it weren’t for Qin Chanyue forcing herself on you, you would have been willing to spend your life with me!”
“Why—why don’t you care that our son is crippled? Why are you rolling around with other women? Don’t you love me?”
Her tearful accusations were filled with hatred and grievance, each word dripping with venom. Her once elegant face twisted into a hideous mask, devoid of any past tenderness, instead resembling a vengeful ghost ready to pounce at any moment and devour Zhou Ziheng whole.
Fang Qingqing did not understand that when Qin Chanyue forbade Zhou Ziheng from taking concubines, he would come to her; but when she forbade him from taking concubines, he would go to others. Zhou Ziheng was that kind of man—never satisfied, always sneaking out for a taste of something new.
Zhou Ziheng loved her, but he did not love her alone.
She knew full well of Zhou Ziheng’s infidelity to Qin Chanyue, yet believed he would remain loyal to her. This was her greatest naivety.
And her current state disgusted Zhou Ziheng immensely. He had never felt such revulsion toward Fang Qingqing before!
“Have you had enough of this scene?” Zhou Ziheng’s face flushed red with anger as he roared, “I brought you into the Houfu, I even promised your son the position of Shizi! It was your son who failed to live up to expectations, who fell from a horse and broke his back. How can you blame me? What could I have done? Could I have performed some magic? Just because he can’t stand up, should I, as his father, suffer for the rest of my life? I’ve done more than enough for you and your son! It’s you who have been acting recklessly all along! If I had known it would come to this, I would never have let you into the Houfu!”
Fang Qingqing trembled all over, unable to utter a single word in rebuttal. Overwhelmed by grief and indignation, she let out a sharp cry and lunged at Zhou Ziheng, clawing and hitting him.
If she hadn’t followed Zhou Ziheng back then, how could she have ended up like this? She had been an outside concubine without status for over a decade!
The side room was in utter chaos, and none of the maids outside dared to step in to intervene, fearing they would become the unlucky targets of their master’s wrath.
Amidst this turmoil, a slightly hoarse voice sounded from outside the door, instantly silencing the commotion inside the room.
“Enough.” The voice was firm and commanding, causing all three people in the room to look up in panic.
The next moment, Nanny Zhao lifted the beaded curtain, and Qin Chanyue stepped into the room.
Today, Qin Chanyue wore a smoke-purple Floating Light Brocade cross-collared pleated skirt, with a set of gold filigree hair ornaments inlaid with amethysts arranged in the shape of a violet. The gems shimmered as if in full bloom, giving the illusion of a real flower adorning her head—dignified, radiant, and graceful.
When Qin Chanyue’s sharp gaze swept across the room, the three people present felt their faces burn and their backs stiffen slightly.
The little maid kneeling on the floor was disheveled, her dudou torn off, and she could only hastily gather it to cover her chest. Zhou Ziheng hurriedly straightened up, while Concubine Fang beside him also lost some of her earlier fierceness.
The little maid had nothing to say—she couldn’t afford to offend anyone here. When she saw Concubine Fang enter, she regretted her actions deeply! The Marquis had never seemed particularly fond of her, merely sleeping with her casually. Even if she had climbed into his bed, she might not have secured the position of a concubine. Now, with Concubine Fang causing such a scene, she was certain to gain nothing good from this!
As for Zhou Ziheng, he felt utterly humiliated. He had slept with a maid, been slapped by Concubine Fang, and now Qin Chanyue had witnessed it all! It was a complete loss of face, utterly disgraceful!
Concubine Fang, however, felt a twinge of fear upon seeing Qin Chanyue arrive.
She dared to confront Zhou Ziheng because she believed he loved her and owed her. She was confident he wouldn’t punish her, no matter how much she raged. Even if he slept with another woman, she was certain he still cared for her. But Qin Chanyue was different—Qin Chanyue wouldn’t indulge her whims.
Strangely, Concubine Fang feared Qin Chanyue but not Zhou Ziheng. Yet, in a flash, she realized Qin Chanyue’s arrival might be a good thing. Qin Chanyue was known for her strict management and rigid rules, never tolerating those with cunning intentions. For over a decade since the establishment of the Houfu, she had kept the maids firmly in check, preventing anyone from daring to climb into beds. Now that this maid had fallen into Qin Chanyue’s hands, she would surely be dealt with harshly!
Not just anyone could enter the gates of the Houfu!
As she thought this, Concubine Fang shot a venomous glare at the little maid on the floor.
After surveying the scene, Qin Chanyue naturally understood what had happened. When she first heard that Zhou Ziheng had taken a little maid, she was somewhat surprised, but upon reflection, it made sense—wasn’t Zhou Ziheng exactly that kind of man?
The emotions Concubine Fang was experiencing now were something Qin Chanyue had felt in her previous life. When she first learned that Zhou Ziheng had kept an outside concubine, she too had wanted to pounce on him and kill him.
It was almost laughable—before she could act, these two had already turned against each other.
A flicker of indifference passed through Qin Chanyue’s fox-like eyes, as if weary of this farce. She waved her hand dismissively and said, “Concubine Fang has just suffered the loss of a child and momentarily lost her composure. Let it pass. As for this maid—what is your name?”
Qin Chanyue lowered her gaze to the trembling maid kneeling on the floor.
The maid replied shakily, “Answering Madam, this servant is called Xiaohong.”
Qin Chanyue nodded slowly and said, “Red is the color of the rosy clouds at dawn. From now on, you shall be called [Aunt Xia]. Your courtyard will be arranged next to Luoye Courtyard and named [Chixia Courtyard]. Serve the Marquis well from now on.”
Upon hearing these words, the few people present each had different thoughts. Aunt Xia was overjoyed, never expecting such a turn of events—the position of concubine was still secured!
Zhou Ziheng let out a sigh of relief, followed by a surge of comfort: Look, this is what his rightful wife should be like. Such magnanimity is truly worthy of being the Marquise.
However, Concubine Fang was so shocked that she cried out, “Why? Why should she become a concubine? What right does she have to stand on equal footing with me? A little maid who used every trick and scheme to climb into bed should be beaten to death! Isn’t Madam the one who hates having concubines in the courtyard the most? Why would she grant her the title of concubine?”
She had been Zhou Ziheng’s outside concubine for over a decade, nearly dying to give birth to a son, and had lived in the shadows for all those years! It was only after great difficulty that she entered the household as a concubine. She had endured so much hardship and suffered so many grievances, yet she had enjoyed little happiness. Not a single day had been comfortable since entering the Houfu. And what about this maid? She had given nothing, merely bent her waist to serve in bed once, and now she could become a concubine? What kind of reasoning is this? What kind of reasoning!
Qin Chanyue, standing at the door, swept a faint glance at Concubine Fang before saying, “Aren’t all men entitled to San Qi Si Qie? What’s so strange about that? Concubine Fang, you entered the household in the same way back then. How can you forbid others from entering now that you’re inside?”
Qin Chanyue’s calm words struck Concubine Fang like a slap to the face, causing her complexion to flush red.
How could it be the same? she thought. It’s not the same! She was different from those lowly maids who climbed into other people’s beds. She was someone Zhou Ziheng loved and pursued!
Qin Chanyue came from such a powerful family background—she couldn’t compete with her. It was one thing to be inferior to Qin Chanyue, but now a little maid had also appeared to stand on equal footing with her?
She couldn’t accept it!
Concubine Fang wanted to rush forward and throw a fit with Zhou Ziheng again, but he was prepared. With a wave of his hand, he called in the maids from outside to drag Concubine Fang away.
He was truly fed up with this madwoman!
As Zhou Ziheng had Concubine Fang taken away, Aunt Xia also tactfully withdrew. For a moment, only Zhou Ziheng and Qin Chanyue remained in the side chamber. Adjusting his posture, Zhou Ziheng offered Qin Chanyue a gentle smile and said, “Chanyue, about that Aunt Xia from yesterday—”
Qin Chanyue smiled faintly and replied, “Husband, there’s no need to dwell on such matters. Ever since you fell gravely ill, I’ve come to see things clearly. As long as you are alive, that is the most important thing in the world. A mere concubine—I won’t be jealous.”
Zhou Ziheng was overjoyed.
He knew it—Qin Chanyue had long been deeply in love with him. After more than a decade of companionship, his place in her heart had long surpassed anyone else’s. For his sake, Qin Chanyue was naturally willing to bend some rules.
Unable to contain himself, he stepped forward and took Qin Chanyue’s hand, speaking in a gentle tone, “Chanyue, your upright nature is my fortune. No matter how many concubines I have, you alone are my rightful wife. In my heart, you are the most important.”
His hand was large, his palm warm. As it enveloped Qin Chanyue’s slender fingers, a faint warmth spread through her bones. Yet, Qin Chanyue felt an overwhelming wave of nausea rise from the depths of her heart, causing even her beautiful face to stiffen slightly.
She slowly withdrew her hand and said, “Husband has just recovered, so you should still take care of your health. Today, I still need to visit Elder Brother, so I won’t be keeping you company.”
As she spoke, Qin Chanyue seemed to remember something. A faint smile appeared on her charming face as she said softly, “By the way, Zhou Yuanting has reached the appropriate age. Since the Marquis’s health has improved recently, in a few days, please go to court and request a title for Yuanting.”
Zhou Ziheng naturally agreed, smiling as he escorted Qin Chanyue out.
After Qin Chanyue left the Houfu and headed back toward the Prince of Southern Pacification’s Mansion, another scene was unfolding elsewhere.
—
The news that the Marquise and the Marquis were about to request a title for Zhou Yuanting spread through the mouths of the surrounding servants and reached Shuhai Courtyard.
At the time, Zhou Yuanting was still reading in Shuhai Courtyard. Upon hearing the news, he excitedly paced around the room.
He thought to himself that although his mother had been cold toward him before, her sudden change in attitude must be due to Liu Yandai speaking well of him in front of his mother yesterday. That was why his mother had brought up the matter of requesting a title for him as soon as she returned. If he had known Liu Yandai would be so useful, he would never have treated her coldly before—he had no idea that Liu Yandai hadn’t even had the chance to speak to Qin Chanyue in the mansion yesterday.
Lost in this joy, he couldn’t spare a single thought for anything else. He felt the position of Shizi was now within reach. Although his father hadn’t died outright, allowing him to inherit the title of Marquis, it was clear that the third brother couldn’t cause any serious trouble anymore. In the future, he would be the one in charge of the Houfu!
In his excitement, Zhou Yuanting hadn’t forgotten to ask the servant beside him, “What about Zhou Chiye? Has he found Bai Yuning?”
The incident from yesterday, when Zhou Chiye had stormed into his courtyard and nearly strangled him, was deeply etched in his mind. Although he hadn’t made a big deal of it, he harbored a deep-seated resentment.
While he didn’t dare retaliate openly, he had no shortage of underhanded tricks up his sleeve.
The servant beside him quickly replied, “Reporting to Shiziye, he found her last night.”
Yesterday, during the day, Zhou Chiye had left Zhou Yuanting’s side and gone directly to Baihe Fang in the outskirts of the city.
Baihe Fang was a relatively remote district, inhabited by moderately wealthy families. The security there wasn’t particularly bad, but it wasn’t especially good either, making it a suitable place for Bai Yuning’s current situation. Since the district wasn’t large, Zhou Chiye found Bai Yuning as soon as he arrived.
Bai Yuning appeared as if she had just been driven out of the mansion, weeping pitifully in her room. As soon as Zhou Chiye entered the courtyard and saw her tearful, distressed appearance, his heart ached. He rushed forward, embraced her, and poured out his loyalty.
At the time, Bai Yuning said, “Zhou Yuanting tried to violate me. In a moment of confusion, I wanted revenge, so I falsely accused him. I lied, and being driven out of the mansion was only right. Please don’t blame Madam.”
Zhou Chiye was already heartbroken for her, and hearing this only deepened his pain. He held her tightly and whispered, “How can I not blame Mother? She clearly knows how much I care for you, yet she still falsely accused you and treated you so unfairly. Don’t worry, from now on, I won’t return to the Houfu either.”
Bai Yuning was greatly startled. If Zhou Chiye did not return to the Houfu, she would not be able to go back either! The Second Prince had told her during this period to gather information carefully within the Houfu—she absolutely could not be driven out! So she tried her best to persuade him, but Zhou Chiye was determined not to return. He simply held her and said, “I know you pity me and don’t want to break the bond between mother and me, but my mother has gone too far recently. I will never go back.”
Bai Yuning could only fall silent.
“That very night, the Second Young Master stayed in Miss Bai’s courtyard and did not return,” the servant reported.
Upon hearing this, Zhou Yuanting’s mind stirred with malicious thoughts. He crumpled the book scroll in his hand into a ball, lightly tapping it against his palm, and asked, “Does Mother know about Zhou Chiye going to find Bai Yuning?”
In response to Zhou Yuanting’s question, the servant lowered his voice and replied, “Reporting to Shiziye, both the Marquis and Madam have read the Second Young Master’s blood letter. Madam doesn’t seem to take it to heart, but the Marquis ordered the private soldiers to send men to capture him. However, those private soldiers are rather useless—they still haven’t found the Second Young Master.”
Dachen placed great emphasis on filial piety. Since ancient times, it had always been the father suppressing the son. In earlier years, there was even a case where a son was unfilial to his parents. The parents took their complaint to the court, and the official directly had the son beaten to death. The common people cheered, believing the punishment was just. According to Great Chen Law, if a father killed his son, the crime was reduced by one degree and was not considered a capital offense. However, if a son killed his father, he would face severe punishment.
In the eyes of the Marquis and Madam, a son who could write such a blood letter had already rebelled against heaven and earth. He needed to be locked up and disciplined with rods. If Zhou Chiye were caught by the Houfu’s private soldiers, he would undoubtedly face severe punishment.
Zhou Yuanting frowned in thought and said to the servant beside him, “Go and inform the private soldiers in the mansion of the Second Young Master’s hiding place. Have them search for him, and send some of our people among the private soldiers. When the time comes—”
Zhou Yuanting frowned and made a gesture of “striking hard”: “Seize the opportunity, break one of his legs, and then let Father’s men drag him back.”
The servant beside him understood immediately and nodded.
Zhou Yuanting then sneered coldly.
He would never allow Zhou Chiye and Bai Yuning to live a good life outside! That pair of scoundrels owed him, and now they would pay him back!
After the servant left, Zhou Yuanting sat by the low couch near the window and pondered. He felt he couldn’t just sit idly by; he needed to add some weight to his own standing so that he could speak up in front of his mother and father in the future.
There were many ways to add weight: his official position, his filial piety, or his children. In short, as a son, making his parents happy was key. And the most useful weight he had at the moment was—
Liu Yandai.
He had previously been impatient with Liu Yandai, which angered his mother. If he had treated Liu Yandai better from the start, perhaps none of these troubles would have arisen.
Now, thinking back, he realized how blind he had been to insist on bringing Bai Yuning into the mansion. In an instant, he also remembered that since Liu Yandai married into his household, she had never consummated the marriage with him because he did not like her.
Zhou Yuanting rolled and unrolled the book scroll in his hand repeatedly before finally making a decision.
Although he didn’t like this woman, she was useful. He could reluctantly sleep with her.
So, he immediately stood up and said, “Someone, go to the kitchen and prepare some of Shizi Furen’s favorite dishes. I will deliver them to the Prince’s mansion.”
Liu Yandai had recently been staying at the Prince’s mansion to attend to Zhennan Wang’s illness. It was likely she wouldn’t return until the Prince woke up. But that didn’t matter. If she couldn’t come back, he would go to her. This would also give him a chance to put on a show in front of his mother, letting her know that he treated Liu Yandai well.
He intended to personally go and please Liu Yandai, consummating the marriage today. It would be best if Liu Yandai became pregnant at once; once she was with child, his mother’s attitude toward him would naturally improve as well.
However—Liu Yandai’s rigid and dull temperament made him feel that even in bed, she would likely lack any enthusiasm.
Zhou Yuanting pondered for a moment, then called for someone to bring some aphrodisiacs.
When the time came, he would use the medicine, close the door, and simply take it.
——
Meanwhile, within the Prince’s mansion, all was peaceful and serene.
Qin Chanyue had left behind the mess at the Houfu and returned to the Prince’s mansion to visit her Adoptive Brother. Liu Yandai, on the other hand, was in the midst of dressing up at the Prince of Southern Pacification’s Mansion.
Today, Nanny Li had picked out an even more embarrassing outfit for her. This garment was even more exaggerated than yesterday’s—a pale green silk gauze corset dress with exposed shoulders, layered over with a snow-white sheer garment. This sheer layer was as thin as a cicada’s wing, almost as if it weren’t there at all, allowing glimpses of the milky-white skin beneath.
What made it worse was that she was plump, with a chest that had always been full and heavy. Wrapped tightly by the soft silk corset, it formed an indecent shape. She tried several times to cover herself with her hands, only for Nanny Li to pull them away.
“Why is Shizi Furen covering up?” Nanny Li said. “When Madam was sixteen or seventeen, she dressed exactly like this. Half of Chang’an would gather to watch whenever she went out. A woman’s beauty is a good thing—why hide it? One should live like summer flowers, bold and brilliant.”
Liu Yandai was speechless and could only lower her hands again.
As she spoke, Nanny Li applied a set of makeup on Liu Yandai.
Liu Yandai had a youthful face, plump but fair. With the delicate pear blossom makeup applied, she looked like a juicy peach that had come to life, sitting there soft and fragrant, waiting for someone to take a bite.
After finishing her makeup, Nanny Li praised her in front of the mirror: “Shizi Furen possesses unparalleled radiance.”
Liu Yandai had never been praised like this before and didn’t know where to put her hands. Moreover, whenever she moved, her round, full chest seemed about to burst out. She was too embarrassed to leave the room and dared not go out to greet her Pomu even when she heard she had arrived.
However, less than half an hour after Pomu’s arrival, she heard that her husband, Zhou Yuanting, had come.
Because Zhennan Wang was critically ill, the Prince of Southern Pacification’s Mansion had been sealed off from the outside world. In recent days, all those who came to deliver visiting cards, curry favor, or test the waters had been turned away. Apart from Qin Chanyue, no one had been allowed entry. Now that Zhou Yuanting had arrived, he too was stopped by the mansion’s guards.
It was said that the guards reported the matter to Lady Qin, but she merely waved her hand and said, “I will not see him.”
Since Lady Qin refused to see him, the guards below turned him away again.
At the time, the carriage was parked right outside the mansion’s gate. Upon hearing that Lady Qin would not see him, Zhou Yuanting’s servant grew slightly anxious. His eyes darting around, he asked the guards to report instead to Shizi Furen.
The servant slipped some silver over and said, “Our Shizi has not seen Shizi Furen for many days and misses her dearly. He came specifically to see her. Could you trouble yourself to report once more and ask if Shizi Furen has any free time now?”
At the very least, let their Shizi Furen come out once to meet with the Shizi!
If Madam won’t see him, Shizi Furen surely will. After all, their Shizi Furen holds deep affection and loyalty toward the Shizi.
Considering that the Zhongyi Marquis’s Shizi is actually Zhennan Wang’s own nephew, the soldiers couldn’t very well keep him waiting outside indefinitely. So, they turned to report the matter to Shizi Furen.
When this news reached Liu Yandai, her fingers immediately tightened around her sleeve, and a wave of nervousness washed over her.
She had never been one to handle pressure well, utterly incapable of doing anything that felt like “wronging others,” let alone scheming against them. The slightest conflict would leave her feeling weak and faint. With such a temperament, suddenly hearing that Zhou Yuanting had come specifically asking to see her sent a cold sweat down her back.
Her first instinct was to mentally review whether she had done anything wrong recently.
Since moving into the Prince’s mansion, she had kept to herself quietly. Yesterday, she had bumped into a noble lady, but it didn’t seem to be a major issue. Yesterday—oh! Yesterday, she had received a letter from Zhou Yuanting but hadn’t acted according to his instructions. Could it be that Zhou Yuanting had come to confront her about it?
Liu Yandai was instantly frightened. She stood there anxiously, listening, yet dared not say “refuse to see him.” She feared anyone who could exert authority over her, even if the person couldn’t actually do much to her—she was simply afraid.
After hesitating for a moment, she rehearsed a response in her mind. She thought, if Zhou Yuanting later questioned why she hadn’t gone to gather information from Pomu as instructed, she would plead that she hadn’t had the chance yet. Then, today, she would go find Pomu and report Zhou Yuanting’s actions to her.
Having mentally calculated this little plan and prepared herself, she went to the front gate of the Prince’s mansion to meet Zhou Yuanting.
Nanny Li, worried that she might suffer mistreatment from Zhou Yuanting, accompanied Liu Yandai to the meeting.
Nanny Li was quite different from Nanny Zhao. Nanny Zhao, deep down, always felt that since Zhou Yuanting was Qin Chanyue’s son, even if he did something wrong, he should be given some face. But Nanny Li had been sent out by Qin Chanyue on various tasks and had witnessed Zhou Yuanting’s true nature firsthand—it was Nanny Li who had replaced the sachet for Zhou Yuanting’s servant back then.
Nanny Li had long known that Zhou Yuanting and Qin Chanyue were at odds. Therefore, between Zhou Yuanting and Liu Yandai, Nanny Li was wholeheartedly on Liu Yandai’s side and would never let her suffer any grievance.
——
It was the height of summer. As soon as Liu Yandai stepped outside, the sun’s glare made her dizzy. Nanny Li promptly raised a silk parasol and walked beside her, also handing her an ice sachet.
This ice sachet contained a small incense burner inside the pouch. Within the burner were a piece of ice and some crushed mint leaves. The burner emitted a faint, cool vapor, and even as the ice melted, it didn’t leak water, serving as a handy little item to relieve the summer heat.
They passed through the Baoping Gate within the mansion, walked along the corridor by the lake, circled around the large screen wall stone at the entrance, and upon reaching the main gate, looked down to see the carriage below.
The Zhongyi Hou Mansion’s carriage had been waiting in front of the Prince’s mansion for quite some time. Standing before the carriage was a handsome young man dressed in a moon-blue cross-collared long gown.
It was Zhou Yuanting.
It was the height of summer, sweltering and unbearable. Zhou Yuanting stood rigidly before the gates of the Prince’s mansion, sweating under the scorching sun, his heart restless from waiting. Moreover, he felt somewhat humiliated—his mother had left him stranded here like this. What kind of attitude was that? Wasn’t it just inviting others to laugh at him? Had Liu Yandai broken her legs, making him wait so long?
Just as his thoughts were growing increasingly agitated, two figures suddenly emerged from within the mansion gates.
Zhou Yuanting frowned and looked up, only to be stunned in place.
The woman walking ahead wore a light green long skirt with a corset, her figure full and graceful as she slowly descended the steps. Her hair was swept back into a flower bud bun, revealing a fair, round, and delicate face, like a peeled lychee. A floral hairpin adorned her forehead, and her curvaceous form was striking. At a single glance, his eyes involuntarily narrowed.
Was this really Liu Yandai?
In his memory, Liu Yandai had always been timid and hunched over, her figure large and clumsy. Even the finest clothes looked unflattering on her. Yet now, after just a few days apart, the young lady standing before him was radiant and alluring, appearing plump and dewy, captivating to the eye.
Slightly taken aback by her beauty, he watched as she approached, unsure of how to even begin speaking.
“Your humble wife greets her husband,” Liu Yandai said, bowing to Zhou Yuanting after descending the long steps. Seeing that Zhou Yuanting remained motionless, she slowly raised her eyes, looking at him with surprise.
Only then did Zhou Yuanting snap back to reality.
The resentment he had been harboring suddenly dissipated, replaced inexplicably by a surge of delight. He smiled warmly at Liu Yandai and said, “It has been a long time since we last met, and I have missed you dearly. The Prince’s mansion is under strict lockdown and does not permit entry. Why not come out and stay with me for a few days? We could go out for a stroll, listen to some opera at a nearby theater, and I will escort you back in the evening.”
This was a common tactic used by young noblemen to court young ladies—renting out an entire theater building to spend time with them, away from prying eyes.
Liu Yandai hesitated slightly.
She was unwilling to go. She knew Zhou Yuanting did not care for her, and she remembered all the insults he had hurled at her in the past. Yet, she was also slow with words and did not know how to refuse.
Seizing the opportunity, Zhou Yuanting pressed on, “I also brought some of your favorite treats.”
As he spoke, Zhou Yuanting waved his hand, and a servant immediately stepped forward with a food box.
Liu Yandai had few hobbies in life, but the one she could mention was her love for food. She adored all kinds of sweet, sticky pastries, and Zhou Yuanting, catering to her preferences, had brought a large food box filled with them.
Seeing the food box, Liu Yandai felt her mouth water, but she still had no desire to go. Instead, she subtly tugged at Nanny Li’s sleeve.
Nanny Li, who had been holding an umbrella for her, noticed the gesture and immediately stepped forward. After taking the food box, she addressed Zhou Yuanting, “Reporting to Shiziye, Madam has instructed that Shizi Furen must remain in the mansion to pray for the Prince’s recovery and is not to wander about. Shizi Furen appreciates your kindness and will return to accompany you once the Prince has fully recovered.”
Seeing the food box taken away, Zhou Yuanting was momentarily stunned before hurriedly adding, “These pastries are fine to eat, but the wine is rather strong. It was originally prepared for myself, so please don’t overindulge—actually, just discard the wine.”
In truth, it wasn’t that the wine was strong, but rather that he had laced it with a drug intended to enhance the mood. However, seeing Liu Yandai like this now—
Zhou Yuanting’s appetite was thoroughly whetted. He thought to himself that he didn’t even need any extra stimulation now.
If Liu Yandai had dressed up this beautifully earlier, why would he have gone looking for Bai Yuning?
Over on her side, upon hearing his words, Liu Yandai naturally nodded and replied, “In response to my husband, this concubine does not drink wine.”
Nanny Li, standing nearby, also bowed in farewell. After seeing the Shizi off, the two of them turned and returned to the Prince’s mansion.
Back at the Prince’s mansion, Liu Yandai could have gone straight to her room, but they first passed by Zhennan Wang’s side chamber.
Remembering that she still needed to report the matter to Qin Chanyue, Liu Yandai did not return to her own side chamber first. Instead, she had Nanny Li carry the food box and accompanied her to see Qin Chanyue.
At that time, Qin Chanyue had just finished feeding her adoptive brother. Hearing that Liu Yandai had arrived, she went with her to the outer room next door to have tea.
The outer room was spacious. As soon as one entered, a tea table for receiving guests was directly ahead. The floor was covered with a soft woolen carpet, and the windows were open, revealing a lush green view outside. After Qin Chanyue took her seat, she instructed Liu Yandai to kneel and sit opposite her.
Seeing that she had brought a food box, Qin Chanyue initially thought Liu Yandai had brought it for her. Pointing to the tea table, she said, “Set it down here together.”
Nanny Li promptly placed it down.
Just some snacks—whoever ate them, it was all the same.
In an instant, several plates of soft, adorable pastries were arranged on the table, served on matching plates, with a pot of wine placed beside them.
The Houfu’s food had always been on par with the imperial family’s—complete in color, aroma, and taste. Qin Chanyue picked up the wine pot nearby, poured herself a cup, and asked, “What brings you to see me today?”
Liu Yandai replied, “Pomu, the wine is very strong—it’s because my husband came to see me today.”
As she spoke, Liu Yandai recounted everything: the letter Zhou Yuanting had written to her and his deliberate visit that day. After Qin Chanyue drained her cup of wine in one go, she responded, “It’s not strong; it’s just ordinary wine. You’ve never had it before.”
She was a general’s daughter, raised to drink from a young age. This bit of wine was nothing to her.
After setting down her cup, Qin Chanyue’s tone carried a hint of coldness as she said, “Stay away from Zhou Yuanting. His little scheme—it’s nothing more than trying to please you to curry favor with me. Yandai, remember this: don’t be soft-hearted toward these men. If he deceives you once, never give him a second chance.”
Liu Yandai nodded somewhat confusedly, then heard her Pomu continue, “Don’t take him to heart. In a few days, he won’t have the energy to cause trouble anymore. Once I drive him out, you can divorce him later.”
Everything was proceeding according to Qin Chanyue’s plan. Concubine Fang wouldn’t be able to hold out much longer.
Recalling how Pomu had drugged her father-in-law, Liu Yandai didn’t dare ask, “Why won’t he have the energy to cause trouble?” She simply obediently lowered her head and ate the pastries.
Just as Liu Yandai had finished two pastries, she suddenly heard a “clatter.” Looking up, she saw that the cup in Pomu’s hand had fallen to the floor.
Not only had the cup fallen, but Pomu’s complexion also seemed off. Her originally fair face was now flushed with a faint pink, as if she were about to get drunk.
“Pomu?” Liu Yandai asked in alarm. “Is the wine that strong?”
Qin Chanyue slowly struggled to her feet, gritting her teeth as she said, “What strong wine, you fool—”
Sold out and still counting the money for the seller!
As she got up, she nearly stumbled and was steadied by Liu Yandai, who was beside her.
“Take me to the side chamber next door.” Qin Chanyue had her support her as they went to the adjacent room.
The side chamber next door had the same layout as Zhennan Wang’s side chamber. Upon entering, there was first an outer room, inside which was an inner room. The inner room had a low couch by the window, a wooden bed against the opposite wall, and a bathroom on the far left.
Qin Chanyue finally managed to find a bed to sit on. As soon as she sat down, she felt dizzy, her vision blurred, her whole body feverish and restless, and a strange impulse began to spread.
As someone who had already given birth to two children, she certainly knew what this was about.
In the inner chambers of women’s households, such dirty tricks were all too common. She just never expected that Zhou Yuanting would one day use this method on Liu Yandai.
If this had happened to a young girl of Liu Yandai’s age, it would have been a devastating disaster. But for her, it wasn’t such a big deal.
Once she endured this, she would deal with Zhou Yuanting later.
The beautiful Madam lying on the bed lifted her face, like a begonia intoxicated by the sun. Her fox-like eyes gazed seductively at Liu Yandai as she beckoned with a finger.
Liu Yandai hurriedly leaned in, crouching on the ground like a little rabbit, and asked, “Pomu, what’s wrong with you?”
“Zhou Yuanting added something to your food. It was likely meant for you—a filthy drug that would make you unable to resist men.” Qin Chanyue exhaled softly and whispered to Liu Yandai, “Don’t alert anyone else—where are your eight men? Pick one you haven’t used yet and send him over for Pomu to use.”