Chapter 292

Chapter 292 Sometimes, having heard it so often, the Princess Consort herself nearly believed it. But as the surgery succeeded, the Princess Consort survived. All the malicious speculation came to nothing. The turmoil in the rear courtyard was quelled single-handedly by Xie Run, yet she never made a show of it, serving the Princess Consort with the utmost respect. Now that Prince Jing had become the Crown Prince, the court was embroiled in debate over whether the Princess Consort was worthy of becoming the Crown Princess. For Xie Run, this was equally an opportunity. If the Princess Consort failed to become Crown Princess, even if Xie Run only obtained the position of Crown Prince's Side Consort, she would still have chances to climb slowly in the future, reaching for the Crown Princess position above. But Xie Run showed not the slightest hint of ambition. Instead, she went out of her way to defend the Princess Consort's reputation, and for her sake, even broke precedent by punishing several serving women. The Princess Consort could not see through Prince Jing, nor could she see through Xie Run. She had grown up in the Xia Dynasty palace, the palace where interest-driven struggles were fiercest, and had married into the Yu Dynasty as a prince's wife, becoming a Princess Consort. Since marrying into the prince's household, there had been no shortage of strife among the consorts and concubines. It all boiled down to nothing more than two words: self-interest. Yet Xie Run's behavior defied self-interest at every turn. That was why she asked this question today. This question was not at all difficult for Xie Run to answer. Xie Run said with a smile, "Because the Princess Consort is a good mistress of the household." "I know my own status is humble, and I dare not covet a position that does not belong to me. I only wish to stay in the prince's household and live a peaceful life." "If the mistress above me were not the Princess Consort, it would be someone else." "If it must be someone else, better the Princess Consort than anyone." Xie Run's gaze was clear, with not a trace of ambiguity or concealment in her eyes, as she looked directly at the Princess Consort. She simply did not want to manage affairs, did not want to involve herself in the struggles among consorts and concubines. The Princess Consort's methods were formidable, and she was greatly respected by the Prince, yet even she could not fully suppress the motley crew of troublemakers in the rear courtyard. If a new one came in, would she have that ability? If so, the Jing Prince's household would likely descend into chaos. For the sake of stability, maintaining the current state of affairs was best. The Princess Consort was somewhat surprised by this answer, and also somewhat disappointed. Xie Run had always said this and always done this, and even now, she still gave the same answer. The Princess Consort also knew what she was disappointed about. Perhaps she had wanted to hear Xie Run say she had ulterior motives, and then think to herself, isn't that how it should be? Having gone too long without receiving kindness from others, suddenly being looked after by someone was bound to feel uncomfortable. The Princess Consort sighed. "In the end, I was measuring a gentleman's heart with my own petty measure." Xie Run smiled faintly. "How could I possibly be worthy of being called a gentleman? I am merely an unambitious lazy person." "And how could the Princess Consort be petty? If so, I would hardly have found peaceful days after entering the household." Xie Run said sincerely, "I genuinely hope the Princess Consort recovers her health soon and takes back control of the prince's household." "This Jing Prince's household can do without me, but it cannot do without the Princess Consort." Knowing it was flattery, the Princess Consort was pleased to hear it nonetheless. Just then, Nanny Li entered, carrying a box in her hands. The Princess Consort said in a calm voice, "This Tianqiao Blood Jade bracelet was part of my dowry from the Xia Dynasty palace, one of my treasured keepsakes. I intend to give it to Fifth Young Master." Xie Run quickly rose and bowed. "Princess Consort, I do not covet such valuables..." The Princess Consort said, "I know." "You saved my life. I cannot let you go without any reward—that would make me lose face before others." "Favors must be remembered, but proper thanks must also be given." "Just accept it in peace. Consider it blessings accumulated upon the child." The Princess Consort carried herself with steady dignity, her attitude brooking no refusal. Since she had spoken so decisively, Xie Run found it hard to decline further. Nanny Li handed over the box. Xie Run glanced at it—a slender white jade bracelet the size of a fist, indeed only suitable for a small child to wear. She took it out and gently stroked it, a hint of surprise in her eyes. "This jade is warm and fine in texture—the finest I have ever seen." Xie Run had seen many fine things, which was why she could immediately discern the quality of the jade at first touch. The Princess Consort's gift was indeed given with genuine sincerity. If such a fine jade bracelet existed in the Great Yu Dynasty, it would be kept in the imperial palace, reserved for the Emperor, and would never circulate outside the palace walls. Xie Run asked curiously, "But the jade is clearly white—why is it called Blood Jade?" Nanny Li had been waiting a long time, and finally had her chance to shine. Nanny Li said, "Consort Xie may not know, but this is the wonder of the Tianqiao Blood Jade bracelet." "At first glance, this jade looks like white jade, but the moment it comes into contact with something poisonous, it instantly turns red." "The more toxic the poison, the deeper the red." Hearing this, Xie Run immediately understood the thoughtful intention behind the Princess Consort's gift of the Tianqiao Blood Jade bracelet. She rose and bowed. "I thank the Princess Consort on behalf of Taotao!" This time, her words were far more sincere. The Princess Consort reclined on the couch, a faint smile in her eyes. "Looking at you now, I am reminded of how you looked when you first entered the household." "In these two years, you seem to have changed very little." Unlike her—now when she looked in the mirror, she could barely recognize herself. Xie Run smiled. "Perhaps it is because I am easygoing at heart, showing no improvement in two years." The Princess Consort knew she was being modest and smiled, shaking her head. Xie Run then turned to the matter at hand. "Concubine Wan passed away outside the residence, and she did so saving the Prince. By all accounts, she should be credited as one who rendered meritorious service. Yet when she left the residence, she schemed against Consort Jiang and harmed many people. I find myself uncertain as to how to conduct her funeral rites." The Princess Consort was well-versed in handling such matters. "She saved the Prince outside the residence. Everyone knows she was a woman of loyalty and honor who gave her life for the Prince. Her funeral rites cannot be conducted too shabbily." "As for her scheming against Consort Jiang..." The Princess Consort paused in thought. "Back in Mizhou, Consort Jiang took the remedy for the Seasonal Plague from her hands and claimed the credit for herself. That was when their enmity began, and there is reason to trace it back." "Death settles all accounts. If we dwell on her faults now, those who don't know the full story will only think the Prince is petty-minded." "With the court in turmoil both inside and out, it would be best to bury her with the rites befitting a Concubine Consort." Xie Run considered this. "And what of the servants who attended her?" The Princess Consort said calmly, "First assign them some insignificant duties, then send them all away after some time." "Lady Wan was vicious by nature—who knows what temperaments the maids she cultivated possess. They should not remain in the residence." The Princess Consort no longer concealed her thoughts when speaking before Xie Run. From her words alone, it was clear that the Princess Consort understood the scheming in the inner court thoroughly, which was why she could so readily speak of Lady Wan's viciousness. Evidently, the Princess Consort harbored some wariness of Wan Linlang as well. Having asked about Wan Linlang, Xie Run then brought up Prince Jing's disposition of Jiang Baobao. Xie Run: "The Prince said that once Consort Jiang's health improves, he will tell her of her demotion to concubine. In the future, she will be given a courtyard where she may recuperate in peace." The Princess Consort did not so much as furrow her brow. "Consort Jiang is not one to remain still. Once she comes to her senses, she will likely hate Consort Sun to the bone. Assign two trusted maids to keep watch by her side, and also see that Consort Sun no longer has any contact with her." Xie Run nodded slightly. "I shall do my utmost."