Compared to the turbulent events outside the Prince's mansion, Chi Yining like a little devil; wherever there was a prince, there was bound to be Chi Yining.
The people below dared not speak, but the servants who went out to buy supplies couldn't keep their mouths shut or stand it. Everyone said that their prince was a demon from hell, a fierce and evil god. In fact, their prince was just a bit fierce. He didn't kill many people usually. The people who were killed were all because they truly deserved to die!
"Our prince and princess are very much in love. Don't you dare curse my princess! What do you mean by 'die'? I think you're the ones who want to die! Be careful, or we'll report to the prince and you won't see the sun tomorrow!" A servant from the prince's mansion kicked another servant who was talking too much to the ground.
They are from the Prince's mansion. The Prince said that as long as they are in the right, no one can bully them.
"You, you, you! This is outrageous! Help! The servants of the Prince of Annan's residence are beating people!"
Chi Yining frowned as he looked at the group of people kneeling in neat rows.
How often did people in ancient times bathe? There's a sour, foul smell.
"Since the affairs of the inner court are now under my control, the servants there will also obey me. If my people are bullied, they will naturally retaliate, regardless of right or wrong. As long as they don't commit any crimes, anyone of the same class who dares to provoke you, you should fight back with all your might."
The most seriously injured purchasing servant said pitifully, "Your Highness! They insulted you! So we fought back!"
Chi Yining a little surprised. It turned out that the bloodshed was caused by him. How interesting.
What did you say to me?
"Your Highness, they say you won't live long, and that the Prince will torture you to death sooner or later!"
"Impressive, offending two people at once. Do you remember who that person was? Never mind, Fuqing, send someone to inform the owner of that household to come over."
Fuqing: "Yes."
less than 15 minutes
The people kneeling on the ground were a different group.
They were injured even more badly than the people in their own royal palace.
Their faces were bruised and swollen, some even unrecognizable.
Chi Yining held back her laughter.
The wife of a first-rank official who arrived late was also called a first-rank lady.
But no matter how high her status, it was still not as high as that of a Prince of Annan.
Dressed in a simple yet elegant white outfit of superior quality, Madam Wang knelt before Chi Yining and kowtowed, saying, "Greetings, Your Highness. May Your Highness be blessed with good health and happiness."
Although the maidservant beside her was very unwilling, she still knelt down and kowtowed.
Chi Yining: "No need for formalities, please have a seat."
Madam Wang breathed a sigh of relief upon hearing these words. It was rumored that the princess was as cold and unapproachable as the prince, but she didn't know if it was true or not.
Now, the people in your household have caused such a disturbance.
The servant who uttered those words could die at the mere command of the princess; even being beaten to death with clubs would likely not quell her rage.
After Madam Wang sat down, she dared not look directly at the male princess.
"Since I invited Madam Wang here today, Madam Wang should already know the details. I won't go into further. Madam Wang, how do you intend to deal with this servant who spoke recklessly, acted arrogantly, and disrespectfully towards his superiors?"
The princess's tone was extremely cold and devoid of warmth, causing Madam Wang's heart to tremble and her hand to nervously clench her handkerchief.
She, a woman who runs the entire royal family compound, now feels so inferior in terms of presence when facing a new princess. The princess is now giving her a difficult problem, and she doesn't know how to please her.
After all, they didn't know the princess's personality. The princess used to be just an ordinary concubine's son from the prime minister's family, with little presence. She was even often ridiculed by the sons of noble families.
Now that she has become the Prince of Annan, she has started to act without any rhyme or reason.
She really couldn't fathom the princess's intentions.
However, judging from the princess's attire today, every detail exudes nobility; she wears a black robe and carries a string of purple-gold and jade phoenix beads worth a fortune.
It is said that this was a reward from the emperor to the prince for winning a battle a few years ago. And this jade pendant is also of superior quality. No, this is a top-grade Hetian jade pendant! You can tell at a glance that its texture is delicate and warm. It is not only as dense as felt, but also hard and tough.
Madam Wang was truly at a loss for words. It seemed the Princess Consort must have a fondness for money, otherwise she wouldn't have treated the Chancellor Chi that way.
She cleared her throat and smiled respectfully and elegantly, "Your Highness, after such an incident, the Royal Family would feel uneasy if we could not compensate you. I humbly request Your Highness to give us a chance, and the Royal Family may make amends in another way."
"I know that even if I kill that servant who insulted you, it will hardly quell my anger..."
Upon hearing this, Chi Yining lifted his eyelids and re-examined Madam Wang.
Madam Wang is a woman in her early thirties who is very well-maintained. Although she is only in her thirties, her son is almost 20 years old.
"Alright, what do you plan to do? The Prince of Annan isn't short of money. If you're not sincere, then don't bother talking to me. My time is limited; I need to go back and take care of the Prince."
Hearing the princess's tone, Madam Wang's heart clenched again. The princess's meaning was clear: if the amount given was not enough, the Wang family might suffer.
Furthermore, from the princess's tone, it's clear that the princess and the prince are indeed as loving as the rumors suggest.
They thought it was a joke, but it turned out to be true.
Proving this is also very simple.
Uncle Fu, who serves the princess, is the most authoritative steward in the palace. Although he appears amiable, he is actually more ruthless than the officials in the imperial court.
Fuqing standing next to the princess clearly indicates that the prince is supporting her.
Madam Wang felt cold sweat trickling down her forehead and into her eyes.
"Your Highness, may I return and discuss this with my husband before sending it over?"
Chi Yining smiled with a refined and elegant air, which made Madam Wang momentarily stunned.
The princess is indeed a rare beauty, a true gem. With such stunning looks, it's no wonder the prince indulges her.
He also adorned the princess with a string of beads bestowed by the emperor.
" Madam Wang, there's no need to be nervous. I am not an unreasonable person. Since the Wang family has not disciplined its servants properly, then go back and discipline them properly. As for the humiliation I suffered, it can be a big deal or a small deal, it's up to you to handle it. Go back now."
Day 2
Sure enough, the Prince's mansion gained three more chests of gold and two chests of silver notes.
When Chi Yining opened it, the sight almost blinded him.
"Your Highness, is being insulted really that valuable?" Chi Yining's lips curled into a wide smile, clearly in a very good mood.
Yan Lingyun now understood why the princess wanted him to wear valuable items...
In just a few days since they arrived at the Prince's residence, how many chests of gold and silver jewelry have they brought back for him?
He's acting like a kept man, like a prince.
"Shouldn't the Princess share some with me?"
"Your Highness is right. They're only being so polite because of you. Otherwise, they wouldn't be giving you face. So, take all of this money to support your men." Chi Yining very generous. He wasn't a miser; if he lost money, he'd just rob it again—no, I mean, he'd earn it back.
Yan Lingyun said without any hesitation, " Fuqing, count them and send them to the military camp."
Although Chi Yining was very generous, Yan Lingyun really didn't leave him any at all!!
Yan Lingyun felt relieved; she had finally gotten her revenge after enduring so much humiliation for the past few days.
"Anyway, I still have plenty. If you ever need money in the future, just tell me." Dad will rob the rich to help the poor to support you; all he has to do is lose a few Blackening Value.
Yan Lingyun owns numerous banks, estates, shops, and many other profitable businesses.
After all, he was the son of the Duke of Zhenguo and the princess, and the wealth he left behind could be said to rival that of a country.
However, maintaining an army is very expensive, the national treasury is empty, and military pay is often not paid on time, so it has to come from the Prince's mansion. Nowadays, the Prince's mansion is not considered very wealthy, but only ordinary.
Knowing he was in the wrong, the emperor never dared to mention taking back the military tally, so he could only hope for Yan Lingyun's death.
Yan Lingyun chuckled, "Does the Princess Consort want me to live off her?"
Chi Yining nodded. "Well, it's not impossible, Father... I have the ability to support Your Highness. Besides, I heard there have been major floods in the south recently... If you want, I can..."
The prince frowned. "These are not the princess's concern. The princess's job is simply to be a sleeping beauty."
Chi Yining found it adorable that the prince was being a little temperamental.
Despite caring so much about the world, they always present their most frightening side to the public.
"Alright, I won't say anything." Chi Yining did want to rob the rich to help the poor, but such a large expenditure from the Prince's mansion would seem suspicious to anyone. Besides, taxes were levied and accounts were audited in ancient times.
Chi Yining sighed softly.
The next day, the court indeed discussed the disaster situation in the south and decided who would be most suitable to go. However, the south is hot and humid, while the Shangjing is in the north, and no one wanted to take on such dirty and tiring work.
Yan Lingyun's cold gaze swept over this group of incompetent and cowardly people.
He sneered and coldly questioned the officials present, "It seems you are all well-versed in the classics, but ignorant of the suffering of the common people. You constantly claim to care about the people, but now that the people need you, you remain silent. Have you been wearing your official hats for too long and lost your sight, or is there something else?"
Even the emperor on the dragon throne felt a chill run down his spine upon hearing this.
It was as if he was also among those in official positions, and it seemed as if he had been dragged into the scorn of his nephew.
He cleared his throat. "Since the ministers are unwilling, then..."
Yan Lingyun interrupted ruthlessly, "Alright, donations are welcome. Half of the family's wealth has already been counted by people visiting each household. Everyone need not worry about their safety; I believe everyone prioritizes safety, and I agree."
The Prince of Annan caught everyone off guard. The ministers present gasped in shock. What difference did it make whether there was a regent or not? This was practically Prince of Annan's domain!
Who would dare to intervene? Who would dare to speak up? Who would dare to object? The first person to do so would be dragged out and beheaded!
They watched in despair as the Prince of Annan revealed a terrifying smile.
"As for His Majesty, he can decide for himself." Yan Lingyun believed he had already given his uncle, the Emperor, enough face.
Chi Yining heard about it at home and had to admit that Yan Lingyun was truly remarkable, accurately handling this group of selfish ministers. At the same time, he was also worried that half of the Prince's residence would be divided up.
Fuqing comforted him, "Your Highness, there's no need to worry about not being able to afford food. Our Prince of Annan will not only provide money, but also manpower."
Chi Yining was stunned for a moment, then burst out laughing, "Haha, this works?"
Fuqing: "Of course, as the prince said, 'An army is raised for a thousand days to be used for one.' The troops have been resting since the Battle of Kuizhi and haven't been active for a long time."
A small contingent will be sent.
Chi Yining nodded. "Yes, I know. Some of them are stationed in the Shangjing, some are on the border, and some are with the Prince."
Fuqing: "..." The princess is very clever.
The emperor returned to his Imperial Household Department and looked pitifully at his private treasury, now half gone. He was heartbroken!
The concubines in the harem felt like the sky was falling; when they woke up, half of their money had vanished!
Isn't it said that every citizen has a responsibility for the rise and fall of the nation? What does it have to do with them, mere women?
But they could only remain silent. If they dared to cause trouble, the Emperor would find out and surely punish them, which they dared not do.
The Empress was the one who suffered the most, helplessly watching her life savings shrink.
The Prince of Annan was a devil!
Chi Yining didn't sleep very well during her afternoon nap today because Yan Lingyun hadn't returned yet.
"That emperor is really something, making a disabled person worry so much, especially since it's Xiaoyu today."
"Host, if you're worried, you can buy rheumatism ointment in the shop to treat the prince's rheumatic leg pain!" 8845 finally found a place where the princess could spend her money.
Chi Yining immediately became interested upon hearing this, "Ah, I almost forgot about the in-game store."
"Let me think... how can we use these things properly after we buy them? We can't just create these things out of thin air, can we? The prince is so smart, it's no wonder he's suspicious... Are they even useful?"
System: "System-generated product, must be of high quality, requires 1000 gold coins."
Chi Yining wasn't in a hurry. He had originally thought that if Yan Lingyun wasn't good to him, then he wouldn't help him with the treatment.
It seems that the prince is quite obedient to him now, and hasn't said a single unpleasant word, so his behavior is not bad.
Recalling the orders the prince issued in court today, Chi Yining couldn't help but laugh again. "I was thinking of going to find some corrupt officials to rob the rich and help the poor, but the prince just sent people to their door, which is no different from robbing them. I underestimated the prince; he truly is a prince who doesn't like to live off women."
Yan Lingyun didn't return until evening, Chi Yining stood guard at the door with a chair.
"My lord is back." Chi Yining went forward to greet the lord as soon as he saw him. The lord's carriage was different; it even had a long plank that could be pulled out of the carriage.
Yan Lingyun: "Okay, let's go back."
After a busy day, Yan Lingyun realized for the first time that not taking a nap could lead to poor mental health; he was truly being affected by his princess.
"I'll do it."
Awei let go of her hand, and the princess naturally took the wheelchair from her.
"Your Highness, are you hungry? I've ordered the kitchen to prepare your favorite pickled fish, boiled beef, and braised lion's head meatballs..."
Fuqing held an umbrella for the two people behind them.
The serene and peaceful atmosphere of the Prince's Mansion made the surrounding areas appear gloomy and desolate.
Chancellor Chi at his vault, now mostly empty. He felt breathless. How could he have married such a son-in-law! Other men send gifts to their wives' families, but his son-in-law came over every few days to take things away! Now, half of it was gone! What a tragedy!
Madam Chi was weeping and wailing beside him, Chancellor Chi felt as if he had aged ten years in an instant!